Friday 25th July, 2014
by Victoria Gaskell
The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerces calls for action today as a result of Fort Drum’s Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment finding “no significant impact” on the local area, should the installation downsize.
The city’s Chambers of Commerce also urging the public, “this is one case were inactivity on the matter will result in a worse case scenario” said Ms Lynn Pietroski, Chambers President.
The worst case scenario, as predicted by Fort Drum Public Affairs, would see the loss of 8,000 troops from the area, approximately one-third of the current occupancy.
While the assessment was released in June of this year, Fort Drum officials have only now been open to public comment.
As a result local councils, business owner and community members have been given to opportunity to air their opinions and concerns about the further downsize.
A downsize has been a concern of the North Country community since the story first came to light in 2011.
However, this is the first time the community has been asked for their input, in an assessment of environment and socio-economic impacts on the area.
Mr Terry Smith, owner of a local eatery, is one business owner eager to share his concerns.
“The military is very important to us here” said Mr Smith, “our restaurant notices a large difference even when there is a deployment so I don’t know what we will do when they’re gone for good.”
Written feedback will be accepted until 25 August at: U.S. Army Environmental Command, ATTN: SPEA Public Comments, 2450 Connell Road (Building 2264), Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7664 as well as by email tousarmy.jbsa.aec.nepa@mail.mil.
Wives of the Brave 