'Wrong Call' on editorial
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Submitted By: Don Carr
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 2008
Your editorial, “Wrong call,” (Oct. 1, 2008), regarding the Army’s selection of Alexandria’s Mark Center for 6,400 area DOD jobs being realigned to Fort Belvoir, was disappointing and unfortunate on a number of levels. Indeed it appears it was written with little regard for even the most basic facts presented in your own news account in the same issue, “GSA site dismissed.” Bottom line is that the BRAC 2005 legislation required the jobs be moved out of leased space in Northern Virginia and onto Fort Belvoir – or other property acquired and operated as part of Fort Belvoir – by September 15, 2011. Sites under consideration had to be capable of providing required space and security needs without creating the almost impossible transportation complications of the originally proposed EPG site. Making Mark Center part of the post ensures we can place the jobs in secure facilities with no lease costs, keep them in close proximity to the Pentagon, and do it on time. The site significantly improves security for the workers without significantly altering their current commutes or ability to communicate with their Pentagon superiors. It requires little to no change in contractor support relationships, or changes to residency or schools requirements for the workers. Evaluation of the alternate sites began in September 2007 and took only one year to complete, not two. The Mark Center was found technically superior, offers best value to the government, is lower in cost, and offers the best chance of completion by deadline. It’s important to note that the analysts received no challenges, from either the public or private sector, to the traffic analysis for Mark Center during the public review and comment period for the BRAC 133 Environmental Analysis (online at http://www.belvoirbrac-eis.net/133ea.htm). Fact is that transit is challenging at all the sites evaluated. At the Mark Center, the EA concluded "long-term minor adverse" impacts, and included several mitigation measures to alleviate congestion, such as improving the capacity of Mark Center Drive, and, constructing turning lanes. The EA also encourages alternative transit measures and developing a Transportation Management Plan and staff to manage the travel demand and encourage use of transit. Finally, the deadline of Sept. 15, 2011 is the deadline imposed on all DOD installations by the BRAC 2005 legislation. It is not “self-imposed” by the Army or otherwise arbitrary, but, a matter of law. As with any law, Army doesn’t have authority to knowingly violate Congress’ intent in setting the deadline. Don Carr serves as Director of Public Affairs at Fort Belvoir.
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