Statement of Governor Perdue Regarding President Bush's Acceptance of BRAC Recommendations

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding President Bush's endorsement of the BRAC recommendations:

"I am disappointed by today’s decision to accept the BRAC recommendations. The decision to close Fort Gillem, Fort McPherson, Naval Air Station Atlanta and the Navy Supply School in Athens deserved further examination and scrutiny due to the military value these installations provide our Armed Forces.

"I am proud of the effort and hard work put forward by the entire Georgia Congressional delegation, especially Senator Chambliss and Senator Isakson, and our many state and local partners as we prepared for this process over the last several years. We will work with each of the affected communities to move quickly on redevelopment plans for these properties.

"Georgia is ultimately a net gainer of more than 4,000 military personnel. Our state has a long military tradition and we look forward to supporting these new missions and their personnel."