KMOX - Missouri Senators Back NGA's Choice of St. Louis For West Headquarters

News Article

By: Brian Kelly

Missouri's Senators are fighting back against Metro East officials who criticize the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's decision to build its Western headquarters in north St. Louis,

Democrat Claire McCaskill and Republican Roy Blunt have filed comments supporting the choice.

According to a press release:

"The NGA made the right decision in keeping the NGA West headquarters, and its more than 3,000 dedicated personnel, in St. Louis," Blunt said. "I'm glad that the NGA recognized the numerous advantages the city provides over the alternative sites, and look forward to working with the agency, Mayor Slay, and local leaders to move this project forward."

In the letter, Blunt and McCaskill note that "the St. Louis City site will allow the NGA to recruit the next generation of highly-skilled intelligence professionals seeking the type of urban, car-optional lifestyle the city provides. In addition, the St. Louis City site provides unparalleled access to graduate school opportunities and high-tech neighbors, is a designated Promise Zone, and is convenient to Lambert Airport and the NGA's other facility in Arnold, Missouri." McCaskill continued, "NGA leadership and the Administration listened to our bipartisan arguments for the benefits of the unparalleled infrastructure, experience, and the skilled workforce Missouri provides to continue the NGA's critical mission of protecting our national security. The agency's decision to keep its more than 3,000 employees in Missouri is excellent news for its talented workforce, and for the entire St. Louis region--and I'm eager to continue working with them to get moving on this project."

NGA Director Robert Cardillo announced the selection of the north St. Louis site, over others including one near Scott Air Force Base in Mascoutah, Il, on April 1. The NGA is currently taking comments before Cardillo announces the final decision May 2.

Source