The U.S. Army is looking to gather feedback from community members about impending force reductions that could slash 4,200 soldiers from Fort Eustis by next year, a move it says would significantly affect the region’s economy.
A review of the military’s assets coupled with changes to the federal budget are requiring the Army to reduce its personnel levels from 570,000 to between 440,000 and 450,000 by September 2016, according to an Army news release.
The number of soldiers at installations across the country will have to be reduced to meet the new requirements.
Should the full 4,200 troops be lost, that would represent the removal of more than half of the 7,382 soldiers stationed there full time as recently as 2011, according to an Army study of the drawdown’s effects.
The study shows the reduction of troop levels at Fort Eustis benefiting air quality, noise, soil, traffic, energy demand and wetlands in and around the base.
The move is not expected to help the area’s economy.
“Significant, adverse regional economic impacts from force reduction, in terms of sales, employment, regional population, and /or income are anticipated at … Joint Base Langley-Eustis,” according to the study.
Tuesday’s hearing will allow the public, community leaders, elected officials and the civilian workforce at Fort Eustis to offer feedback to the Army on the proposed drawdown. Comments from the meeting will then be presented to Army leadership for review.
The hearing will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
Members of the public who wish to attend but do not have a Department of Defense identification card should arrive early at the main gate on Fort Eustis Boulevard. Bring a driver’s license, valid vehicle registration, safety inspection and proof of insurance to obtain a pass to enter the base.
The meeting will be held at Wylie Theater. Once on base, take the second left off Washington Boulevard onto Jefferson Avenue. Turn right at Walker Street. Wylie Theater is located in Building 705 on the right. Parking is across from the building on the left.
