Statement on the Army’s Troop Restructuring Announcement

There is still more to be learned about the Army’s troop restructuring plan and its full effect on Fort Drum and surrounding North Country communities, but one thing is clear: our region will be impacted from the loss of troops, their families and civilian employees at the post, and in surrounding communities.

The potential for additional, even deeper cuts as a result of inaction on the federal budget, referenced repeatedly during the Army’s Pentagon announcement, raises even greater concerns, and makes today’s news a strong wake up call for Congress to act.

Over the past decade, the North Country came together to support a growing Fort Drum with major military, public and private investment in businesses, services, schools, housing and infrastructure.  These investments created a foundation not just for Fort Drum, but for a stronger local economy as well.

Today’s announcement gives us a timeline so that we can strengthen those partnerships, and find ways to sustain our economic growth, and continue to create jobs, both on and off the post.

As State Senator, I have made it a top priority to advocate for Fort Drum and, in the coming weeks, I look forward to working with local leaders to identify ideas and opportunities that we should pursue to minimize the impact of the Army’s actions, bolster our community and allow for continued economic growth in the future.