DRAFT

Fort Belvoir

Base Realignment and Closure

Board of Advisors

Seventh Meeting

15 August 2007

Minutes

1. The meeting was called to order by Ms. JoAnn Blanks at 1412 hrs. She extended a welcome to the participants, and introduced two new staff members (Mr. Sam Zega and Mr. Dane Bowker) who are aides to Senators Warner and Webb respectively. She then turned the meeting over to COL Brian Lauritzen for opening remarks. COL Lauritzen recognized Mr. Mark Canale, the newly assigned Fairfax County Coordinator for BRAC; Ms. Diane Devens (Director, NERO, IMCOM) and Major General Richard J. Rowe, Jr. (CG, MDW); and COL Mark Moffatt, the new Fort Belvoir Deputy to the Garrison Commander for Transformation and BRAC. He was assigned to the Installation on 13 July 2007. COL Lauritzen noted that he and his Command Group had met with Mr. Canale the previous day for an orientation and update briefing.

2. At the outset, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland posed questions about the expectations for this meeting, and the Army’s reaction to the continuing concerns of the region. Noting that a number of “hanging chads” remain to be resolved, Mr. Hyland said that the region’s concerns had not been completely addressed in the Record of Decision (ROD). COL Lauritzen said the meeting was designed as a “report-out” on the ROD, and would include discussion of other issues of implementation. He noted that this might be the “zenith” BOA – as it might not be necessary to conduct any further meetings.

3. COL Moffat began the briefing by introducing the agenda, and requesting a motion to approve the previous meeting’s agenda. The motion for approval was passed unanimously.

4. MG Rowe made opening remarks by commending COL Moffatt’s assignment to Fort Belvoir; and his expectation that COL Moffatt’s credentials would serve him well in his present assignment.

5. COL Moffatt noted a number of points contained in the ROD. He advised that the ROD had been signed by Dr. Craig College on 7 August, and posted to the Federal Register on 10 August. Additionally:

• The ROD approved the Preferred Alternative option, with the exception of the Washington Headquarters Service personnel, whose future location was deferred to a later decision.
• Number of personnel to be sited at EPG is capped at 8,500 (NGA).
• GSA is now considered an alternative venue. ROD has directed an additional analysis for the GSA site.
• Future location of 6,200 WHS personnel has been deferred. Also deferred for further consideration was the DMWR Travel Camp.
• Army lease personnel now number 3,943.
• MEDCOM personnel now number 2,069
• Total number of personnel coming to Fort Belvoir: 21,484. Number Departing Fort Belvoir: 2,500. New net number approximately 19,000, revised from previous 22,000
• Above all, all actions will adhere to the BRAC law.

6. Also not adopted by the ROD were nine (9) environmental mitigations. Both Ms. Devens and COL Lauritzen remarked that the Department of the Army (DA) and the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management (ACSIM) supported funding these measures through other funding. LTG Wilson, CG, IMCOM, is expected to sign a Memorandum of Record within the near future. (NOTE: The signed memo has now been provided to COL Lauritzen.)

7. The ROD also noted five (5) transportation improvements that have been Defense Access Roads (DAR) certified. The DOD is authorized to provide funding for these improvements.

8. Mr. Hyland questioned the procedures for certifying DARs. COL Moffatt replied that the complete listing of transportation projects was identified as part of the EIS process and transmitted to the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC). That organization is responsible for certification. COL Lauritzen was not particularly happy with their final determination. Mr. Hyland emphasized that additional funding must be absolutely found for the remainder of these projects. COL Lauritzen remarked that all parties must be united. He advised that many military agencies are being brought together to address this difficult task. Ms. McConnell addressed specific traffic projects in her own district. She specifically addressed the Neuman Street connection into the EPG. COL Lauritzen noted that since the WHS decision has now been deferred, that this project may not be necessary. Delegate Vivian Watts agreed with this assessment.

9. In reply to a question about funding from Mr. Tom Fahrney, VDOT Northern Virginia representative and BRAC coordinator, COL Lauritzen said funding will begin to arrive in 2008. DAR certification means DOD can now begin requesting suitable appropriations. Mr. Fahrney said that widening of I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway connector were included in June in the latest State Six-Year transportation Plan ($58 million). Other funding sources will include the Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority and the Office of Economic Adjustment. The Army will continue to pursue Federal funding.

10. In reply to a question from Delegate Watts, COL Lauritzen advised that there is no further action necessary for the clean-up of hazardous material from the EPG FFX County Parkway Right of Way. The Army has indicated willingness to oversee construction of the Fairfax County Parkway connector. The money is already appropriated. Mr. Fahrney advised that VDOT continues to negotiate the Parkway connector. The Commonwealth has already added an additional $25 million to the project. Utilities can now be moved, and Rights-of-Way can be negotiated. The Central Motors facility has already been acquired. Finally, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has required a re-evaluation of the 2004 environmental assessment. This will probably take an additional three (3) months. When Mr. Hyland asked why the FHWA initiated a NEPA re-evaluation, Mr. Fahrney remarked that this procedure was required by Federal law.

11. COL Moffatt briefed on the status of the Fort Belvoir Master Plan. He noted that COL Lauritzen has directed the completion of the overall Master Plan by the end of September. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is working closely with BNVP on the NGA and the new hospital designs. An ongoing consultation on Section 106 (Cultural Resources) is continuing.

12. COL Moffatt introduced a series of slides displaying graphics of projected construction sites. A graphic of EPG “East” displayed a representation of the NGA complex, including two main buildings, a technical center, utilities and a garage. This complicated project contains a multiple of issues. Formal groundbreaking has been scheduled for 25 September 2007. In reply to Mr. Hyland’s question about environmental considerations, Mr. David Farace noted that the complex will utilize the “LEED Building Rating System” construction and certification techniques. It provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.[1] Mr. Fahrney requested a construction vehicle access plan. Mr. Farace noted that the Corps of Engineers (COE) has just awarded the first construction contract. A meeting scheduled for 17 August will lay out those plans. A second graphic displayed the South Post Hospital plans. The new Fort Belvoir hospital will become the premier medical facility in the National Capital Region. The hospital will feature a V-shaped building design favored by medical professionals. The buildings will include Green Roofs and Water Catchment areas.

13. Mr. Hyland remarked about anticipated projections of 500,000 outpatient visits per year. What improvements will be made to improve traffic access? COL Moffatt and COL Lauritzen explained the traffic routing plans, to include: additional entry lanes off Route 1; potentially an additional Route 1 flyover; separate security access points for the hospital; and multi-level parking. Mr. Canale remarked that some traffic concerns have already been addressed. The formal groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for October/November, as the facility is now in the final stages of design. Mr. Hyland was appreciative for the update on traffic improvements for the new hospital site.

14. COL Moffatt noted that additional analysis on the General Services Administration warehouses was on-going. He described the site as actually two locations (40 acres and 30 acres), divided by a fence. Significant roadwork improvement will have to be effected.

15. Considerable discussion was conducted on the BRAC impact on schools. COL Moffatt indicated that the FEIS estimated that BRAC would generate 3,200 new school-age students. The ROD adjustments indicate that number is closer to 2,800. However, the regional BRAC changes would result in a decrease of 12,700 students across the NCR. COL Lauritzen advised that BNVP consultants evaluated regional impacts and determined that the bottom line figure is likely to be much more manageable – a net gain of approximately 265 students in Fairfax County. He noted that another independent study, dated 21 July 2007, predicted a net gain of about 50 students for Fairfax County. Mr. Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner, a member of the Fairfax County School Board, and representing Mr. Dan Storck, registered some skepticism about the Installation Commander’s predictions. He described it as a “late-hour” analysis. His office wishes to continue to work closely with Fort Belvoir in the future. Mr. Hyland asked Mr. Dean Tisdadt, Chief Operating Officer of Fairfax County Schools, to comment on such an analysis. Mr. Tisdadt replied that it was too early to draw definite conclusions. Ms. McConnell noted previous issues with schools planning, reminding the board that, "We didn't figure the last school right,” and pointing out that it hasn’t been easy for county planners “to project even within our own borders, so, I don't know how we'd do that outside our own borders."

16. The three District Supervisors conducted a discussion on the distribution of new residents. Mr. Hyland stated that mistakes could not be condoned in this area. Ms. McConnell noted that younger employees would probably not be able to afford to live in Fairfax County. Mr. Jenkins noted that his office had not had sufficient time to digest all the reports. The Route 123 corridor over the Occoquan River needs to be addressed. He asked how much BRAC would disturb that corridor.

17. Mr. Jeff McKay, representing Supervisor Kauffman, raised a question about the western portion of EPG. COL Lauritzen advised that the Army has not included any plans for development of that parcel in its current master plan and that under existing Congressional Legislation, the Army may convey the land to Fairfax County. In July 2005, Belvoir was given approval to include the EPG in BRAC planning. Belvoir is now keeping its options open. There are no plans currently to develop that area. Ms. McConnell noted that the 1990 Hardiman Plan did include a “People-Mover.” She asked if the Army had taken another look at that option.

18. Mr. Fahrney requested an explanation of any supplemental funding processes. COL Lauritzen noted that further ROD decisions will be made in January/February 2008. The GSA analysis is expected to be completed by that time. Mr. Heath Bumgardner, aide to Representative Moran, remarked that the current Defense Authorization Bill might not pass. Therefore, a “stand-alone” legislation/appropriation might be necessary. Mr. Jeff Moran of TetraTech noted that DOD has consistently followed and met its own timelines in this area.

19. Mr. Niedzielski-Eichner inquired whether an analysis had been completed regarding the economic characterization of the personnel expected to move into the area. COL Kenneth Canestrini, commanding the DeWitt Healthcare Network, remarked that the new personnel are expected to be very similar in grade/rank to the work force currently in place. Changes are not expected to be significant. Mr. Ralph Newton of WHS advised that younger families will probably relocate further to the south because of the lower cost-of-living expenses. Mr. Farace had nothing to add on this question, except to note that any internal surveys will be shared with the membership.

20. Closing Remarks:

a. Ms. Devens remarked that this has been a complex process, but meaningful solutions have already been achieved. There have been competing agendas; however, the good partners in this process have managed to make good progress. Thanks were extended to all involved.

b. MG Rowe noted the transitioning, and heavily civilianized work force. There are a variety of choices to be made, and he appreciated the continuing wisdom of all the participants.

c. COL Lauritzen questioned whether the BOA should continue. A consensus of the voting members was positive. He noted that the next major scheduled event was the Community Update Breakfast (CUB) on 16 October which will continue the sharing of information and ideas. The next target event will take place in January/February 2008 with the follow-on ROD/EA FONSI, as the NEPA process for the WHS. COL Lauritzen posed the following agenda items for the next BOA which will probably take place in the February/March timeframe:

• GSA Update.
• Transportation Issues.
• Education Impacts.
• Other Working Groups.

21. The formal meeting was adjourned by motion and agreement at 1545 hours.

Brian W. Lauritzen

Colonel, U.S. Army

Installation Commander

Attendees

Fort Belvoir BRAC Board of Advisors Meeting

August 15, 2007

LAST NAME	FIRST NAME	SALUATION	ORGANIZATION
Albert	Jennifer	Mrs.	DeWitt ACH
Anbiya	Tracey	CSM	FB Garrison
Augsburger	Chris	Mr.	BCOE
Battle	Bill	Mr.	WHS
Bauer	Bob	Mr.	WHS
Bettener	Mike	Mr.
Billia	Genevieve	Ms.	PAO, Ft. Belvoir
Bowker	Dane	Mr.	Rep., Senator Warner
Bumgardner	Heath	Mr.	Congressman’s Moran’s Office
Burpee	Dave	Mr.	NGA
Canale	Mark	Mr.	Fairfax County BRAC Liaison
Canestrini	Kenneth	COL	DeWitt ACH
Carr	Don	Mr.	PAO, Ft. Belvoir
Christopher	Supriya	Ms.	BNVP
Clark	Jan	Ms.	DeWitt ACH
Cullum	James	Mr.	Times Community Newspaper
Curren	Jim	Mr.	BNVP
Curtis	Lowell	Mr.	Chronicle Newspaper
Dees	Don	Mr.	PAO, Ft. Belvoir
Devens	Diane	Ms.	IMA, NERO
Edwards	Steve	Mr.	Springfield District
Eicher	Philip	Mr.	FCPS
Eitler	Cyrena	Ms.	OSD
Fahmey	Tom	Mr.	VDOT (Rep. for Pierce Homer)
Farace	David	Mr.	NGA
Fenton	Dana	Mr.	BOS Prince William County
Flook	Bill	Mr.	DC Examiner
Gardner	Amy	Ms.	Washington Post
Hagee	Chuck	Mr.	Mt. Vernon Gazette
Haught	Kathryn	Ms.	ACSIM
Hill	Sam	Dr.	NVRC (Rep. for Dr. Templin)
Hunt	Steve	Mr.	Mt. Vernon Voice
Hunter	Pauline	Mrs.	PAO, Ft. Belvoir
Hyland	Gerry	Supervisor	Mt. Vernon District
Jackson	Carolyn	Ms.	BCOE
Jenkins	John	Supervisor	PWC
Kost	Ken	Mr.	BNVP
Koster	Julia	Ms.	NCPC (Rep. Mr. Cogbill)
Lauritzen	Brian	COL	FB Garrison/Installation
LeDoux	Julia	Ms.	Potomac News
MacNamara	Nancy	Ms.	DPTMS
McConnell	Elaine	Supervisor	Springfield District
McKay	Jeff	Mr.	Lee District
McMullen	Claude	Mr.	DOL
Miller	Marlene	Ms.	Mt. Vernon Voice
Moffatt	Mark	COL	Deputy for Cdr for Transformation
Moran	Jeff	Mr.	BNVP
Newton	Ralph	Mr.	Washington Hdqtrs Svcs (WHS)
O’Brien	Dan	Mr.	Master Planner
Parson	Bill	Mr.	DMWR
Persick-Arnold	Theresa	Mrs.	WHS
Person	Gus	Mr.	PAO, Ft. Belvoir
Puller	Toddy	Senator	VA General Assembly
Repeta	Rick	Dr.	DeWitt ACH
Rodriguez	Melina	Ms.	Fort Belvoir Eagle Newspaper
Ryburn	Tom	Mr.	BNVP
Sanders