NY Governor Spitzer, Senators Schumer & Clinton, And U.S. Representative McHugh Announce Job Growth At Fort Drum

Nearly 1,500 troops to be stationed at Fort Drum by 2013

December 19, 2007 -- New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congressman John M. McHugh today received notification that the U.S. Army has selected Fort Drum to receive an additional 1,479 soldiers as part of the Army’s plan to grow and relocate forces. The announcement represents a significant boon to the North Country economy.

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This projected increase will raise the number of troops stationed at Fort Drum’s to 20,275 in 2013, up from 12,300 in 2003. Fort Drum is slated to receive 900 troops, as part of the Grow the Army (GTA) program. An additional 579 troops will be part of a Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) that will be relocated from Schofield Barracks in Hawaii in 2013.

“The decision to locate these troops at Fort Drum is a clear signal that this facility will play an increasingly pivotal role in our country’s defense, which is enormously positive news for our economy ,” said Governor Spitzer. “Fort Drum provides the most diverse and prolific real-world training environments and a state-of-the-art Power Projection Platform for the U.S. Army. Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division enjoy strong and widespread support from our citizens in the North Country and throughout the State of New York. We welcome these men and women in uniform to our North Country community.”

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said: "This is a welcome shot in the arm for Fort Drum. It will bring an economic boon to the North Country and assist Fort Drum in developing into one of the best military bases in the country. With the ongoing War on Terror, there will be a continuous need for the excellent and seasoned troops of the 10th Mountain Division."

U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton said: “The addition of these soldiers further adds to the strength of this incredible military institution and its importance to Watertown and the North Country. These troops will not only help to build the future strength and integrity of Ft. Drum, but they will also be a force in the growth of the economy throughout the region. As the most deployed division in the Army, the soldiers at Ft. Drum have proved their worth time and again, and I am pleased we are able to recognize their critical role in our national defense by making this investment in the future of the base.”

U.S. Representative John McHugh said: “Fort Drum and the surrounding areas should be extremely proud today. The Army’s commitment to add 1,479 additional troops speaks volumes about the outstanding reputation of the 10th Mountain Division and the incredible, state-of-the-art training facilities at Fort Drum. This effort to expand the troop levels at Fort Drum began with a community that supports the men and women serving our country and welcomes them and their families into the region. Altogether, this is wonderful news for Fort Drum and the benefits will be widely felt as we welcome these new troops to the North Country.”

New York Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine: “I was very pleased about this decision which will bring additional troops to our community. I commend the federal and state representatives and our community leaders who effectively presented our region’s unique assets and opportunities in Washington. Governor Spitzer has assured me of the state’s continued commitment to the North Country so we may successfully face the challenges of our growing region. We are proud to be home to Ft. Drum and look forward to welcoming our newest neighbors to the North Country.”

The Army's decision to expand Fort Drum comes after months of deliberation and evaluation of bases around the country. In October, individuals from the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization, Lt. Governor David Paterson, representatives from Congressman McHugh’s office, and aides from Senators Schumer and Clinton’s offices visited with Army officials at the Pentagon to underscore support for the placement of additional forces at Fort Drum.

Fort Drum is home to the 10th Mountain Division, the Army’s most frequently deployed unit, and is one of the Army’s most modern installations, making it uniquely positioned to house and train forces. Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division received a third brigade in 2004 as part of the Army’s efforts to create a more modular force.

This is part of the U.S. Army announcement of stationing decisions to support the President’s plan to grow the Army by 74,200 soldiers across all three Army components. The Army is undergoing the largest organizational change since World War II as it transforms to a Brigade-centric, modular force.

Source: New York Governor