FORT RUCKER PROBABLY SAFE FOR NOW
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
With as many as twenty percent or more of the nation`s military installations facing possible closure by 2005, Mayor Bob Bunting of Ozark says Fort Rucker supporters are carefully mapping out strategic plans on how to keep the base off of the 2005 chopping block.
"We want to make sure we`re in a very strong position to assume other missions because as other bases close throughout the U.S. there are going to be some missions that may need to move here," says Bunting.
In addition to Fort Rucker`s important contribution to the United States` military, it is also the largest job producer in the Wiregrass and closing it may have a devastating impact according to officials.
"It brings more dollars, economic development dollars than any other industry or business in the Wiregrass and we`re talking about just a little bit under a billion dollars," Bunting says.
Various supporting organizations are taking the base closures seriously and are doing everything possible to make sure Fort Rucker remains strong in operation.
CRYSTAL WALKER - REPORTER
WDHN
