Friday, September 16, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Governor Directs Attorney General to Pursue Lawsuit
JEFFERSON CITY—In a letter sent today, Gov. Matt Blunt directed Attorney General Jay Nixon to resume the state’s legal challenge regarding Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations.
"I have not stopped fighting for the facilities that were inappropriately recommended for closure or realignment, and I will continue to do all I can to protect these installations," Blunt said. "To protect our state’s and our nation’s homeland security, I have asked Attorney General Nixon to pursue every available legal option."
Despite the governor’s compelling arguments to maintain Missouri operations, BRAC recommendations including realignment of the 131st Fighter Wing at Lambert Field in St. Louis were forwarded to Congress. Blunt has fought on behalf of the fighter wing and other Missouri installations throughout the BRAC process. The realignment of the air guard is both offensive and illegal because neither the governor nor Adjutant General were consulted before it was included on the BRAC list.
The Military Enhancement and Preparedness Commission, created this year, is working to support the thousands of hard-working Missourians impacted by the BRAC process. In addition, the Missouri Department of Economic Development will use a $1 million National Emergency Grant to assist workers and communities affected by the recommendations.
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