Sherrod Brown: “As you know, several communities have been affected by the recent base closures and base realignments. I have been…”

“As you know, several communities have been affected by the recent base closures and base realignments. I have been working with these communities in my State, trying to assist them to make these transitions as smooth as possible. For nearly 50 years the Pueblo Depot Activity [PDA] in Pueblo, CO, was an integral part of the U.S. Army's system of supply and storage depots. In 1988, however, the Pueblo Depot Activity was designated for realignment. Since this base currently stores chemical weapons, the Army does not plan to transfer ownership of any of the unused lands or buildings at the Pueblo Depot Activity until the destruction of chemical weapons is complete. According to the Army, this would occur at the earliest in 9 years, fully 16 years after it was designated for realignment and eventual closure. Despite the fact that the PDA was slated under the law for realignment, it was not planned for closure. Consequently, many programs available to other communities whose bases are to be closed are not available to communities like Pueblo.”