Camacho participates in defense conference

Camacho participates in defense conference

By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • November 3, 2009

Gov. Felix Camacho is attending a conference this week that aims to address issues faced by communities hosting growing military installations.

The 2009 Defense Community Conference, being held in Orlando, Fla., is being hosted by the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.

The conference will look at various issues, including:

# increases in student populations as a result of military expansion;

# the quality of life for local communities and the military partners they are hosting;

# how the need for more bases and training areas vital to military readiness can be compatible with civilian development restrictions;

# building and supporting the necessary transportation infrastructure needed for expanding military bases; and

# training the local workforce and the policies and programs to support that.

State and community leaders, DOD officials and federal agency officials are among those attending and speaking at the conference. Officials will share best practices, address impediments and challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration, according to the conference agenda.

Camacho will take part in two conference panels dealing with transportation issues and fiscal challenges.

"This conference will draw many key individuals who need to hear what our island is challenged with in light of the buildup," Camacho said in a news release. "I will be sitting with other stateside governors in two critical panels. I plan to share the difficulties that confront our transportation and fiscal status, and the need for greater assistance moving forward."

The conference is scheduled to begin today and continue through Friday. Camacho is expected to return at the end of the week.

The Office of Economic Adjustment paid for the airfare for the governor and accompanying government officials, according to the news release from the governor's office.