Media Center

After a special meeting today with local and federal leaders concerning future development plans for Fort Gillem, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) released the following statement:

“We have an exciting opportunity to make Ft. Gillem a unique model for the rest of the nation as a result of the BRAC process: maintaining a strong military and homeland security presence for this region, while also providing excellent community development possibilities for Forest Park and Clayton County that will be beneficial to our military, national, and homeland security as well as the local economy.”

Congressman Scott was joined at the meeting by the following leaders:

n Corine Deyton, Mayor of Forest Park, GA

n Eldrin Bell, Chairman, Clayton CountyCommission

n Colonel Angela Manos-Sittnick, Garrison Commander, FortGillem

n Shane Short, Chairman, Local Redevelopment Authority

n Joseph Whitaker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Housing

n Gen. Phil Browning (ret.), Executive Director, Georgia Military Affairs Committee

n Fred Bryant, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget, Military Affairs Committee

n Mr. Kelly Kelkenberg, Director, National Preparedness Division, FEMA Region IV

n Representatives of Senator Johnny Isakson and Senator Saxby Chambliss.

Officials discussed keeping a military presence on the 1,400 acre post, having a permanent Homeland Security and FEMA presence, and turning more than 900 acres over to the city of Forest Park and Clayton County for redevelopment.

Last year Congressman David Scott tirelessly led the campaign to keep Fort Gillem open and also to maintain some level of military presence in the Atlanta area with the world’s busiest airport nearby and disasters like hurricanes looming for the Southeast United States. Scott exited today’s meeting very optimistic by the unique opportunity to maintain a federal presence on the post with the Army and FEMA in conjunction with new commercial and residential options for the Forest Park community.  Leaders planning the future redevelopment plans for Fort Gillem will next meet again in early August.