thedrifter
08-23-06, 02:30 AM
Marines begin process to move new jobs to Quantico
August 23, 2006 12:50 am
By KELLY HANNON
A ring of poster boards sat on easels last night at the Ramada Inn in Triangle, each describing how the Marine Corps will study the impact of 3,000 new jobs moving to Quantico by 2011.
But John Elkin, a retired engineer from Prince William, didn't need colorful charts and graphics to predict how the jobs, assigned to Quantico by the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission, will shape the region.
"Stafford County and Route 1 will probably prosper as much or more than Prince William, but it will be really good for both counties," Elkin said. He expects the new BRAC jobs will attract defense contractors to settle in the area, bringing more private-sector, high-paying jobs.
The Marine Corps is just beginning the federally mandated Environmental Impact Statement process in preparation for the BRAC-assigned workers. That process requires soliciting comments from the public. And several dozen people turned out last night to submit their thoughts in writing or speech, using a provided tape recorder. Anyone who missed the session can still submit comments in writing.
The impact statement will look at two possible locations for the 3,000 new workers. Both are west of Interstate 95.
The first location is on Russell Road, on a piece of land parallel to the interstate. The second location is on Hotpatch Road.
The impact statement will also examine how the Marine Corps could accommodate up to 7,000 additional workers someday, if it needed to do so.
For now, the Marine Corps estimates the 3,000 jobs will consume 70 to 100 acres of land for parking, infrastructure, security and road improvements.
Bruce Holley, a Prince William resident and former Marine, is a member of the Quantico Rod and Gun Club. He doesn't think the new construction and jobs will impact his recreational group.
With 60,000 acres at Quantico, "I don't think we're going to run out of land," Holley said.
A plethora of factors will be weighed as the Marine Corps works toward recommending a preferred location by next fall: the impact on air quality, noise, infrastructure, traffic, hazardous waste, soils and topography, among others concerns.
The Environmental Impact Statement will recommend a location to the undersecretary of the Navy, who will make the final decision.
Another group, the Quantico Growth Management Committee, is looking at how the jobs will affect life in Prince William, Stafford and the U.S. 1 corridor. That committee's next meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Stafford County Government Center. Several elected officials from Prince William and Stafford sit on the committee.
Comments on the Environmental Impact Statement can be mailed to: Commander, Marine Corps, NREA Branch (B 046), ATTN: Mr. Jeff Gardner, 3250 Catlin Avenue, Quantico, Va. 22134-5001.
To reach KELLY HANNON: 540/374-5436
Email: khannon@freelancestar.com
Ellie
August 23, 2006 12:50 am
By KELLY HANNON
A ring of poster boards sat on easels last night at the Ramada Inn in Triangle, each describing how the Marine Corps will study the impact of 3,000 new jobs moving to Quantico by 2011.
But John Elkin, a retired engineer from Prince William, didn't need colorful charts and graphics to predict how the jobs, assigned to Quantico by the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission, will shape the region.
"Stafford County and Route 1 will probably prosper as much or more than Prince William, but it will be really good for both counties," Elkin said. He expects the new BRAC jobs will attract defense contractors to settle in the area, bringing more private-sector, high-paying jobs.
The Marine Corps is just beginning the federally mandated Environmental Impact Statement process in preparation for the BRAC-assigned workers. That process requires soliciting comments from the public. And several dozen people turned out last night to submit their thoughts in writing or speech, using a provided tape recorder. Anyone who missed the session can still submit comments in writing.
The impact statement will look at two possible locations for the 3,000 new workers. Both are west of Interstate 95.
The first location is on Russell Road, on a piece of land parallel to the interstate. The second location is on Hotpatch Road.
The impact statement will also examine how the Marine Corps could accommodate up to 7,000 additional workers someday, if it needed to do so.
For now, the Marine Corps estimates the 3,000 jobs will consume 70 to 100 acres of land for parking, infrastructure, security and road improvements.
Bruce Holley, a Prince William resident and former Marine, is a member of the Quantico Rod and Gun Club. He doesn't think the new construction and jobs will impact his recreational group.
With 60,000 acres at Quantico, "I don't think we're going to run out of land," Holley said.
A plethora of factors will be weighed as the Marine Corps works toward recommending a preferred location by next fall: the impact on air quality, noise, infrastructure, traffic, hazardous waste, soils and topography, among others concerns.
The Environmental Impact Statement will recommend a location to the undersecretary of the Navy, who will make the final decision.
Another group, the Quantico Growth Management Committee, is looking at how the jobs will affect life in Prince William, Stafford and the U.S. 1 corridor. That committee's next meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Stafford County Government Center. Several elected officials from Prince William and Stafford sit on the committee.
Comments on the Environmental Impact Statement can be mailed to: Commander, Marine Corps, NREA Branch (B 046), ATTN: Mr. Jeff Gardner, 3250 Catlin Avenue, Quantico, Va. 22134-5001.
To reach KELLY HANNON: 540/374-5436
Email: khannon@freelancestar.com
Ellie