Governor's Message: Regional Joint Readiness Center Task Force

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP November 17, 2005 -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the investment of nearly $12.2 million for economic development projects surrounding the Pittsburgh International Airport, including one that will support infrastructure improvements to help attract 16,000 new jobs at three business parks. Governor Rendell also announced a $266,200 Base Retention and Conversion grant to the Military Affairs Council of Western PA to support the Pittsburgh BRAC Task Force.

The task force will use $126,000 to create the Regional Joint Readiness Center. The primary purpose of the Center is to assist the state in responding quickly and effectively to a major terrorist incident in the eastern United States.

There are four cross-functional components to the Joint Regional Center – military, homeland security, medical and a non-defense department.

“Pennsylvania’s military bases play a significant role in defending our state and our country,” Governor Rendell said. “We were successful in proving why the 911th unit should stay in Pittsburgh and now we’re ready to make the Joint Readiness Center a reality – standing as the first line of defense for Pennsylvania.”

The balance of the grant will be used to cover $70,000 in incurred costs to test the surface condition of the runways, aprons, taxiways and parking sections, and the estimated cost of demolition of the buildings in the 911th's area. These tests and studies were instrumental in supporting our arguments to the BRAC Commission that Pittsburgh International Airport was sufficiently capable and should continue to house and support the 911th and its C-130 planes. Another $25,000 will be used to support the retention of the Commissary and Post Exchange in the Pittsburgh area, preferably next to the current headquarters of the 99th Regional Readiness Command.

Approximately 170,000 active, reserve, National Guard and retirees and their families visited the Kelly Support Barracks facility last year, which currently supports these essential services but is slated for closure. Without a replacement, the nearest facilities would either be in Dayton, Ohio, or the Carlisle barracks. The grant supports a continued commitment to preserving Pennsylvania's military jobs, protecting our way of life, and supporting our military families.