Tools

North Country Ready To Battle To Save Fort Drum

Story Published: Jan 26, 2012 at 5:56 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 26, 2012 at 7:14 PM EDT

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says cutting U.S. military forces also means cutting infrastructure. 

The best way to do that is a round of base realignments and closures.

But to even begin the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) process, approval from Congress is required.

North country Congressman Bill Owens (D. - 23rd District) says he's not sure that will happen. 

Owens told 7 News Thursday afternoon that Panetta's BRAC plans have him both surprised and annoyed. 

But he says the 10th Mountain Division's status as an agile, rapidly deployable unit offers Fort Drum some protection.

"I remain confident that Fort Drum can sustain itself.  That said though, there's always risk when you have something like this and that's why I'm going to be fighting this every step of the way.

This isn't the first time Fort Drum has faced down base closures.

It's actually the fifth time and Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization Director Carl McLaughlin says the community knows how to handle the process.

"It's something we're accustomed to and we know what we have to do. It is a community fight," said McLaughlin.

A round of BRAC is just part of the plan to cut military spending.

Click here to read our full report on the proposals.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
, Watertown, NY

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On TonightFull Schedule

On Wall Street