Reichert Urges Army to Consider JBLM RIF Impact

Issaquah, WA – On August 22nd, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) sent a letter to Colonel Robert Wittig, U.S. Army Environmental Command, to urge him to consider the impact that a Reduction in Force (RIF) might have on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). A RIF is planned for JBLM no later than January 15, 2015 which could result in income losses for the communities and businesses that JBLM troops support.

In the letter Reichert states, “As the representative of Washington’s Eighth Congressional District, I ask that you look at all of the facts and make a decision that is in the best interest of the security of our nation, the operation of JBLM, and the surrounding local communities. Thank you for your fair and thorough consideration of the SPEA for the 2020 Force Structure Realignment. I have faith that the Army will come to the right decision while keeping the security of our nation at the forefront.”

The full text of the letter is below.

August 22, 2014

Col. Robert Wittig

U.S. Army Environmental Command

ATTN: SPEA Public Comments

2450 Connell Road (Building 2264)

Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7664

Dear Col. Wittig,  

Thank you for serving and all who serve this country. I certainly understand your commitment to doing what is best for our great nation and the men and women who serve.  Therefore, as the Army continues to deliberate the SPEA (Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment) review for the Army’s 2020 Force Structure Realignment, I respectfully wish to reemphasize the potential impacts to the community that a Reduction in Force (RIF) might have on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

With the Department of the Army planning to conduct a RIF at JBLM no later than January 15, 2015, which may result in the involuntary separation of 102 permanent employees, it is important to review all of the facts before making a decision that will have an impact on the surrounding communities of JBLM.  The local community has forged a bond with the over 30,000 soldiers living outside of the base and the local economy has become dependent on this bond.

Throughout the public comment period, I have heard concerns from community leaders. According to the Pierce County Council and multiple businesses in the area, a reduction of 16,000 troops at JBLM would result in a total income loss of over $1 billion. Other concerns include the Department of the Army’s underestimated impacts on local revenue, unemployment rates, and housing market in the area. 

As the representative of Washington’s Eighth Congressional District, I ask that you look at all of the facts and make a decision that is in the best interest of the security of our nation, the operation of JBLM, and the surrounding local communities. Thank you for your fair and thorough consideration of the SPEA for the 2020 Force Structure Realignment.  I have faith that the Army will come to the right decision while keeping the security of our nation at the forefront. Please do not hesitate to contact Zack Guill in my district office at (425) 677-7414 if you need additional information.

Sincerely,

     Dave Reichert

                Member of Congress

CC: The Honorable John McHugh, Secretary

U.S. Army