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FORT MONMOUTH – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would create the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority and begin preparing the region to survive the economic impact of a federal decision to close the base, was signed into law today by Governor Corzine.

“Today we look to the future,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “When the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Commission decided to shut the doors on Fort Monmouth, it was a blow to the region, but we’re moving forward. With proper economic planning, smart growth and ethical redevelopment, we can turn the corner on this setback and realize a brighter tomorrow for the residents of Monmouth County.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Ellen Karcher and Joseph Kyrillos which would create the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority and economically prepare the region for the federally-mandated closure of Fort Monmouth, was approved today by the Senate by a vote of 39-0, receiving final legislative approval.

“We must be ready for the future of Fort Monmouth,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “With the federal BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Commission’s decision to close down the base, the fate of the property, as well as the economic vitality of the region, come into question. We need a qualified agency steering the ship, and leading Fort Monmouth and the surrounding region into safe waters.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Ellen Karcher and Joseph Kyrillos which would create the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority and economically prepare the region for the federally-mandated closure of Fort Monmouth, was approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee today, by a vote of 5-0.

“For the municipalities surrounding Fort Monmouth, the announcement that the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Commission was closing down the base was absolutely devastating,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “For so long, the region’s economy has been dependent on the Fort to sustain it, and without proper planning, we will not be able to survive life without Fort Monmouth. However, with a panel of experts overseeing our fiscal destiny, and balancing the needs of the region, I know we can be ready for the challenges ahead.”