Governor Rendell Confirms Plans for Military, Governmental Use of Willow Grove

Press Release

GOVERNOR RENDELL CONFIRMS PLANS FOR MILITARY, GOVERNMENTAL USE OF WILLOW GROVE

Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced he will continue working to maintain Willow Grove as a critical base for military and government flying operations.

The Governor re-confirmed his commitment during a meeting between Pennsylvania Adjutant General Major General Jessica L. Wright, senior members of Governor Rendell's staff and the members and staff of the Horsham Local Redevelopment Authority and Horsham Township.

"Unfortunately, people have misunderstood our plans to save the base. We are not supporting a civilian or commercial airport," Governor Rendell said. "We envision Willow Grove as a critical component of our overall homeland security plans. We have the opportunity to make Willow Grove a model for the future of Homeland Security."

The meeting included a briefing on the joint interagency base plan and a wide-ranging discussion of various perspectives on the future of Willow Grove.

"When the Air Force last month announced that they supported the joint interagency base plan and wanted to partner with the commonwealth to make it a reality, it meant that a key Department of Defense component recognized the vital nature of this installation," General Wright said. "The outpouring of support for designating this base for use by the Pennsylvania National Guard, other DoD components, associated users and government agencies for national defense, homeland security and emergency preparedness has been truly outstanding."

"We asked for the Horsham Local Redevelopment Authority's help in correcting misinformation about the joint interagency base plan," said Art Stephens, deputy chief of staff for Governor Rendell. "The interagency base plan does not involve creation of a civilian airport at Willow Grove. We made it clear once again that commercial passenger and cargo operations will not be permitted there. Under this plan, Willow Grove will remain a government installation focusing on providing vital emergency response capabilities from its key strategic location.

"Support for flying operations by maintaining the runway, clear zones and associated flight support facilities is an essential element for making sure that interagency base operations can accomplish their national security objectives," Stephens said.

"We see today's meeting with the Horsham Local Redevelopment Authority and Horsham Township as part of a continuing effort to involve local interests in the development and implementation of the joint interagency base plan," said General Wright.

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