10 areas of concerns but Tinian Chamber of Commerce supports military buildup
Monday, February 15, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio
The Tinian Chamber of Commerce has formally expressed its support to the military investment on Tinian in connection with the massive troop buildup in the Marianas, but it has pointed out 10 areas of concerns, including limited economic impact, only a few local jobs to be generated, and periodic limited access to beach sites, other tourism related sites, and cattle grazing land.
In a 12-page position paper and official comments on the draft environmental impact statement for the Guam and CNMI military relocation, the Chamber said its comments are meant to “constructively point out unintentional consequences caused by the military's proposed action” on the draft EIS.
Feb. 17 is the deadline for submitting comments on the draft EIS.
The Chamber, which has over 50 active members on Tinian, also offered “solutions” to meet the expectations of businesses and residents on the island.
Phillip Mendiola-Long, president of the Tinian Chamber of Commerce, said Tinian has endured over 30 years of pent up expectations for the military's use and development of the 18,000 acres of leased land on Tinian.
Some two-thirds of the lands on Tinian are leased by the U.S. military, and battalion level non-live fire training areas already exist and are used on these leased parcels.
Because Guam cannot accommodate all training for the relocating Marines from Okinawa, Japan, the U.S. military looks at Tinian to provide opportunities for training groups of 200 Marines or larger due to greater land availability.
The proposed actions on Tinian include firing ranges for rifle known distance, automated combat pistol, platoon battle course, field firing, and airspace use.
In a Feb. 12 position paper and comments on the draft EIS, the Chamber said it disagrees with the determination of “less than significant” for impacts to the roads and harbors as a result of the proposed action on Tinian.
The Chamber said there are no studies or compaction tests offered to determine if in fact the roads built in 1944 can withstand the additional and heavier loads required for equipment used in the range.
The business group added that the draft EIS failed to identify which specific Tinian roads would be accessed or used when moving personnel and equipment from the airport or the harbor.
It also said there's no real live fire tests offered to measure noise impact, even as the draft EIS said there is no noise impact associated with the proposed action on Tinian.
Recreational resources
The Chamber said the draft EIS omitted significant recreational resources that will be impacted.
They include Unai Dankulu/Long Beach which consists of over 10 beaches spread over a distance of 1.5 kilometers, and Unai Masalok which consists of three beaches spread over a distance of 0.5 kilometers.
“Access would be impeded, recreational opportunities would be reduced, conflicts would be created and physical deterioration would occur. Unai Dankulo is the longest beach on Tinian and is a major tourist and resident recreational spot,” the business group said.
Since the draft EIS identifies additional significant impact on Tinian due to the introduction of hazardous materials and waste, it would seem appropriate that the draft EIS offer as a mitigation measure the hazardous materials cleanup of the Tinian mortar range, it added.
Under the draft EIS, military training activity would be scheduled and notice provided in newspapers and via public service announcements on radio and television at least a week prior to any training event.
But the Chamber said a one-week notice window is not enough time for tourists and residents to address their scheduling of activities for use of the North Field areas.
The Chamber also said that the draft EIS failed to identify what range training area policies are envisioned for potential civilian access and use of the historical and recreational areas located in the RTA.
Limited economic impact
Liberty for training Marines is currently not guaranteed for regular training exercises under the current description of the proposed action.
Liberty may be available to the advanced teams before and after training exercises, though these advanced teams would be much smaller and thus have a lesser economic impact.
The draft EIS said to enhance economic benefits and compensate for economic costs for local businesses, the Marine Corps would consider granting trainees some liberty at the end of every training mission so that they might spend money in local establishments and interact with local residents.
The Chamber recommends that the draft EIS implement liberty time within the proposed training schedule and measure economic impact of allowing 200 to 400 military personnel to have liberty in downtown Tinian.
The business group also recommends mitigation for the loss of Tinian economic tourism activity by requiring the U.S. military to pay for the development of a small museum dedicated to Tinian history.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz jointly asked Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to help build a museum or visitor's center that will depict Tinian's role in World War II, even as a “Manhattan Project National Historical Park” system is being created.
Tinian was the staging area for the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end the war.
Grazing permits, jobs
The U.S. military would end the grazing rights to build the proposed ranges on Tinian, causing significant adverse economic impact. There are 35 grazing permits to be affected by this.
The Chamber said this is unfair and unacceptable, and recommends that the military offer help in grazing relocation efforts.
The draft EIS also said there is a “possibility” that 12 to 15 Tinian residents could be employed as security guards, grounds keeping crew, and sanitation workers to support the proposed action, a “less than significant impact.”
“One must admit that the proposed military action and the possible environmental consequences is already a 'hard sell' to the people of Tinian, yet not enough thought or concern was given to the people of Tinian in this DEIS,” said the Chamber.
It added that that the draft EIS does not identify high-paying jobs such as range management positions.
The $15- to $20-billion military buildup in Guam and Tinian involves the relocation of some 8,000 Marines to Guam, and this still excludes thousands of family members and workers needed.
Showing posts with label Chamber of Commerce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chamber of Commerce. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Chamber's support for buildup meets criticism
Chamber's support for buildup meets criticism
Posted: Feb 01, 2010 2:42 PM
Updated: Feb 01, 2010 7:32 PM
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - The back-and-forth between the Guam Chamber of Commerce and the We Are Guahan Coalition over fourteen points in support of the military buildup has created a bit of friction between members of the island's business community and coalition members who feel that the buildup will marginalize the people of Guam. With time ticking for comments to be submitted on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and buildup plans underway, we delve into the two-step the Chamber has to dance with all the special interests.
For president of the Guam Chamber of Commerce David Leddy, the Chamber's list of fourteen reasons why Guam needs the military build up is entrepreneurial in spirit. "As with any island-based economy with very limited natural resources, our options are limited, and the military economy has always co-existed with the tourism economy so we presented the fourteen reasons simply to demonstrate the positive attributes that could be derived from its growth," he said.
However, We Are Guahan members don't see eye to eye with the Chamber. They fired back with a fourteen-point rebuttal of reasons we do not need the military buildup. The Coalition boasts some 3,000 members, including Facebook fans. Cara Flores Mays is a core member who works as a self-employed web developer.
"As a businessowner, I do stand to benefit from the buildup, however I don't think it is good for our island. There is the idea that there will be more tax revenue coming in, and of course there will be more tax revenue, but there will also be a huge increase in service demand," said Mays.
Mays says the Coalition's concerns are many, but from an economic standpoint they fear the very heart of the island's economy would be in jeopardy. "I would say there needs to be a balance between what is best for the community. I don't know how the tourists will feel about it, but we will no longer be able to promote ourselves as a family friendly destination if our red light district grows," she said.
The Chamber president meanwhile welcomes differing opinions but wants it clear that the organization is against land condemnation. "Our Chamber members are people who live and work here in Guam and make their living in Guam. The Chamber though it's the voice of the business community, the local business community- first and foremost we are an advocate for our community and we do not want the people of Guam marginalized in this buildup process," said Leddy.
Yet Mays maintains that the Chamber's math overall just doesn't add up, saying, "If you balance the increased revenue with the increased demand and that's just a small portion of it, I'm just wondering how the Chamber manages that equation and how we end up benefiting from the increased tax revenue. I'd like to see that done; I'd like to see the math done on that."
Posted: Feb 01, 2010 2:42 PM
Updated: Feb 01, 2010 7:32 PM
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - The back-and-forth between the Guam Chamber of Commerce and the We Are Guahan Coalition over fourteen points in support of the military buildup has created a bit of friction between members of the island's business community and coalition members who feel that the buildup will marginalize the people of Guam. With time ticking for comments to be submitted on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and buildup plans underway, we delve into the two-step the Chamber has to dance with all the special interests.
For president of the Guam Chamber of Commerce David Leddy, the Chamber's list of fourteen reasons why Guam needs the military build up is entrepreneurial in spirit. "As with any island-based economy with very limited natural resources, our options are limited, and the military economy has always co-existed with the tourism economy so we presented the fourteen reasons simply to demonstrate the positive attributes that could be derived from its growth," he said.
However, We Are Guahan members don't see eye to eye with the Chamber. They fired back with a fourteen-point rebuttal of reasons we do not need the military buildup. The Coalition boasts some 3,000 members, including Facebook fans. Cara Flores Mays is a core member who works as a self-employed web developer.
"As a businessowner, I do stand to benefit from the buildup, however I don't think it is good for our island. There is the idea that there will be more tax revenue coming in, and of course there will be more tax revenue, but there will also be a huge increase in service demand," said Mays.
Mays says the Coalition's concerns are many, but from an economic standpoint they fear the very heart of the island's economy would be in jeopardy. "I would say there needs to be a balance between what is best for the community. I don't know how the tourists will feel about it, but we will no longer be able to promote ourselves as a family friendly destination if our red light district grows," she said.
The Chamber president meanwhile welcomes differing opinions but wants it clear that the organization is against land condemnation. "Our Chamber members are people who live and work here in Guam and make their living in Guam. The Chamber though it's the voice of the business community, the local business community- first and foremost we are an advocate for our community and we do not want the people of Guam marginalized in this buildup process," said Leddy.
Yet Mays maintains that the Chamber's math overall just doesn't add up, saying, "If you balance the increased revenue with the increased demand and that's just a small portion of it, I'm just wondering how the Chamber manages that equation and how we end up benefiting from the increased tax revenue. I'd like to see that done; I'd like to see the math done on that."
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
PNC :: Guthertz: Tinian Chamber President Offers Tinian As Buildup Alternative To Guam
PNC :: Guthertz: Tinian Chamber President Offers Tinian As Buildup Alternative To Guam
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Guam - Senator Guthertz' office has received a letter from The President of the Tinian Chamber of Commerce, Phillip Mendiola-Long which says that Tinian is a good alternative for the military's land needs.
Mendiola-Long is also a member of the Guam/CNMI Joint Legislative Military Build Up Task Force and the Tinian Mayor’s Military Task Force.
In his letter he writes that Tinian is very much in favor of hosting military personnel and operations and a very good fit with Senator Guthertz' proposal to 'stretch and spread' the military buildup in response to various Guam objections.
And he describes in detail the military lease of two-thirds of Tinian which is part of the Commonwealth Covenant with the United States.
Mendiola-Long's letter is reprinted below:
"There are 18,000 acres leased in total on Tinian, the 14,000 acres referred to subtracts the joint use areas of the port and the airport, which are a part of the original lease with the US Government.
I have attached some documents for historical reference, which outlines the ability for the Marines to in fact relocate to Tinian. Specifically the original Technical Agreement, which details a base opening on Tinian and the local leadership acceptance of it."
"The current leadership fully supports the hosting of Futenma on Tinian and actually it would be seen as more palatable rather than what the Marines (JGPO) plan currently calls for on Tinian. Which by the way has little if any support. The problem is local community expectations of military use for over 30 years and the sacrifice of private development of land that the US government has been sitting on for that time. The people were told (see technical agreement) that their sacrifice of the 18,000 acres would lead to economic development. That has not happened and the current plan offered to the people states that it will NOT happen again…. The only solution is to bring Futenma to Tinian….otherwise the training plan that the Marines are planning will not be accepted by the people."
Read Tinian Lease Provision in Covenant
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/pdf/tinianbase.pdf
Written by : News Release
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Guam - Senator Guthertz' office has received a letter from The President of the Tinian Chamber of Commerce, Phillip Mendiola-Long which says that Tinian is a good alternative for the military's land needs.
Mendiola-Long is also a member of the Guam/CNMI Joint Legislative Military Build Up Task Force and the Tinian Mayor’s Military Task Force.
In his letter he writes that Tinian is very much in favor of hosting military personnel and operations and a very good fit with Senator Guthertz' proposal to 'stretch and spread' the military buildup in response to various Guam objections.
And he describes in detail the military lease of two-thirds of Tinian which is part of the Commonwealth Covenant with the United States.
Mendiola-Long's letter is reprinted below:
"There are 18,000 acres leased in total on Tinian, the 14,000 acres referred to subtracts the joint use areas of the port and the airport, which are a part of the original lease with the US Government.
I have attached some documents for historical reference, which outlines the ability for the Marines to in fact relocate to Tinian. Specifically the original Technical Agreement, which details a base opening on Tinian and the local leadership acceptance of it."
"The current leadership fully supports the hosting of Futenma on Tinian and actually it would be seen as more palatable rather than what the Marines (JGPO) plan currently calls for on Tinian. Which by the way has little if any support. The problem is local community expectations of military use for over 30 years and the sacrifice of private development of land that the US government has been sitting on for that time. The people were told (see technical agreement) that their sacrifice of the 18,000 acres would lead to economic development. That has not happened and the current plan offered to the people states that it will NOT happen again…. The only solution is to bring Futenma to Tinian….otherwise the training plan that the Marines are planning will not be accepted by the people."
Read Tinian Lease Provision in Covenant
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/pdf/tinianbase.pdf
Written by : News Release
Chamber opposes land condemnation
Chamber opposes land condemnation
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • January 28, 2010
The Guam Chamber of Commerce is opposed to the U.S. military condemning land it needs for its military expansion around the island, the group's board chairman said during its meeting yesterday.
David John, president of ASC Trust Corp., said he wanted to clear misconceptions in the community that the business organization supported everything about the buildup, including the possibility for land condemnations.
The Department of Defense plans to build a new Marine Corps base in Dededo and transfer about 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam.
The military also plans to acquire land in Yigo and Mangilao to build a firing range there, and to obtain other properties around the island.
John said the Chamber has assembled a committee to review each volume of the draft Environmental Impact Statement, which explains the military's buildup proposals and how they will affect the island.
He said the Chamber plans to submit comments by the Feb. 18 deadline, Guam time.
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • January 28, 2010
The Guam Chamber of Commerce is opposed to the U.S. military condemning land it needs for its military expansion around the island, the group's board chairman said during its meeting yesterday.
David John, president of ASC Trust Corp., said he wanted to clear misconceptions in the community that the business organization supported everything about the buildup, including the possibility for land condemnations.
The Department of Defense plans to build a new Marine Corps base in Dededo and transfer about 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam.
The military also plans to acquire land in Yigo and Mangilao to build a firing range there, and to obtain other properties around the island.
John said the Chamber has assembled a committee to review each volume of the draft Environmental Impact Statement, which explains the military's buildup proposals and how they will affect the island.
He said the Chamber plans to submit comments by the Feb. 18 deadline, Guam time.
Future of tourism on Guam clouded
Future of tourism on Guam clouded
Thursday, 28 January 2010 04:47
by Tiffany Sukola | Variety News Staff
ALTHOUGH the outlook is sunny for the tourism industry this year, tourism experts say the good news won’t last long.
“The industry is stagnant,” said senior vice president of global marketing and market development for the DFS Group, Jim Beighley yesterday during a Guam Chamber of Commerce meeting. “Guam is at a crossroads.”
The tourism industry has moved on, he said. According to Beighley, the future of tourism is in giving visitors an authentic cultural experience.
Beighley, who has helped jumpstart the tourism industries in Okinawa and Hong Kong, said Guam needs to consider changing its image.
In Okinawa he said, the Japanese island focused only on catering to its military visitors. However, once tourism officials started to change its approach to visitors, the industry picked up.
The first tourism boom happened in Tumon, Beighley said, during a time tourists were primarily interested in shopping and dining.
However, today’s visitors to Guam want to immerse themselves in the rest of the island’s natural beauty and traditions.
“All of Guam should get engaged in tourism,” said Beighley, noting that the island’s most valuable resources are its people and culture.
Although Guam’s cultural assets are its most valuable, Beighley said that unfortunately they are also the most underfunded.
Although some island residents are opposed to the upcoming military buildup, Beighley said that the buildup can be used to jumpstart the island’s ailing industry.
“On an island with limited resources, we should take every opportunity to diversify the economy,” said Beighley.
Beighley added that concentrating entirely on tourism as the island’s main source of income could be detrimental in the long run.
“It’s kind of like putting all your eggs in one basket,” he said, explaining that Guam should take advantage of the opportunities that come with the military buildup rather than object to the plans.
“I’m in favor of the military buildup,” said Beighley. “I’m in favor of the chance to promote and expand the tourism industry.”
Beighley added that the military buildup and efforts to revive the island’s main industry should go hand in hand.
He also explained that there may be conflicts as buildup plans for both sectors are occurring simultaneously.
However, Beighley said that as long as island residents pay close attention to what the military does with some pieces of land, then buildup efforts can continue without much opposition.
Beighley said that residents should be critical of the military’s plans to limit public access to land that has cultural value as well as land that already has local businesses operating on it.
“It’s not about focusing on one or the other,” he said. “It’s about finding real solutions so that both parties win.”
Thursday, 28 January 2010 04:47
by Tiffany Sukola | Variety News Staff
ALTHOUGH the outlook is sunny for the tourism industry this year, tourism experts say the good news won’t last long.
“The industry is stagnant,” said senior vice president of global marketing and market development for the DFS Group, Jim Beighley yesterday during a Guam Chamber of Commerce meeting. “Guam is at a crossroads.”
The tourism industry has moved on, he said. According to Beighley, the future of tourism is in giving visitors an authentic cultural experience.
Beighley, who has helped jumpstart the tourism industries in Okinawa and Hong Kong, said Guam needs to consider changing its image.
In Okinawa he said, the Japanese island focused only on catering to its military visitors. However, once tourism officials started to change its approach to visitors, the industry picked up.
The first tourism boom happened in Tumon, Beighley said, during a time tourists were primarily interested in shopping and dining.
However, today’s visitors to Guam want to immerse themselves in the rest of the island’s natural beauty and traditions.
“All of Guam should get engaged in tourism,” said Beighley, noting that the island’s most valuable resources are its people and culture.
Although Guam’s cultural assets are its most valuable, Beighley said that unfortunately they are also the most underfunded.
Although some island residents are opposed to the upcoming military buildup, Beighley said that the buildup can be used to jumpstart the island’s ailing industry.
“On an island with limited resources, we should take every opportunity to diversify the economy,” said Beighley.
Beighley added that concentrating entirely on tourism as the island’s main source of income could be detrimental in the long run.
“It’s kind of like putting all your eggs in one basket,” he said, explaining that Guam should take advantage of the opportunities that come with the military buildup rather than object to the plans.
“I’m in favor of the military buildup,” said Beighley. “I’m in favor of the chance to promote and expand the tourism industry.”
Beighley added that the military buildup and efforts to revive the island’s main industry should go hand in hand.
He also explained that there may be conflicts as buildup plans for both sectors are occurring simultaneously.
However, Beighley said that as long as island residents pay close attention to what the military does with some pieces of land, then buildup efforts can continue without much opposition.
Beighley said that residents should be critical of the military’s plans to limit public access to land that has cultural value as well as land that already has local businesses operating on it.
“It’s not about focusing on one or the other,” he said. “It’s about finding real solutions so that both parties win.”
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
PNC :: Chamber Issues 14 Points For Buildup; "We Are Guahan" Issues 14 Against
PNC :: Chamber Issues 14 Points For Buildup; "We Are Guahan" Issues 14 Against
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Guam - The Guam Chamber of Commerce has posted 14 points in favor of the military buildup on its website.
To view their 14 points click on the link below:
Read the Chamber's 14 points
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/pdf/chambuild.pdf
In response, the "We Are Guahan" Coalition has issued 14 points against the buildup.
Read We Are Guahan's 14 points
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/pdf/14reasons.doc
Written by : Kevin Kerrigan
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Guam - The Guam Chamber of Commerce has posted 14 points in favor of the military buildup on its website.
To view their 14 points click on the link below:
Read the Chamber's 14 points
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/pdf/chambuild.pdf
In response, the "We Are Guahan" Coalition has issued 14 points against the buildup.
Read We Are Guahan's 14 points
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/pdf/14reasons.doc
Written by : Kevin Kerrigan
Monday, January 18, 2010
Chamber of Commerce: We need buildup
Chamber of Commerce: We need buildup
By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • January 15, 2010
A revenue surge, infrastructural improvements and investments in health-care facilities and equipment are among a list of reasons the Guam Chamber of Commerce has said the military buildup is necessary for Guam.
According to the "14 Reasons Why We Need the Military Buildup" posted on the Chamber's Web site, the relocation of 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents to Guam will provide revenues "our government desperately needs ... in order to provide services our people depend on."
"We know that local infrastructure such as roads, utilities and ports of entry will finally be upgraded, and the federal government will assist in getting this done," the Chamber's statement read. "By the military working with our own solutions for garbage, the solutions may cost less for all of us."
This preliminary list is a bullet-point document that's a precursor to the White Paper the Chamber is close to finalizing, said David Leddy, president of the Guam Chamber of Commerce.
While the Chamber's White Paper, also known as the Opportunities Paper, will not present the Chamber's view on the draft Environmental Impact Statement document study, it will provide perspectives from experts in various industries, talking about the challenges in their respective fields, and what they feel the positive impact of the buildup will be on their industries.
"It's straightforward information, dispelling some of the urban myths that are out there," said Leddy. "The other component to this White Paper is that we're compiling endorsements and testimonials from different organizations, other like-minded stake holders (who) see some of the positive aspects of the buildup," he said.
With more people paying income taxes, and as businesses pay more taxes and fees, the draft Environmental Impact Statement estimates that government of Guam will generate $325 million in 2014 revenue alone -- an increase of about 60 percent of its current annual budget.
According to the Defense Department document, Guam's unemployment rate is expected to fall to 4 percent when Guam residents and off-islanders start taking on jobs associated with the military buildup.
The draft EIS shows an additional 33,000 jobs for civilian workers will be created by the 2014 peak, and an additional 6,150 jobs will be provided on a "more permanent basis" thereafter.
That's why Leddy, like many others in the business community, are looking forward to the economic opportunities brought by the buildup.
However, during a series of recent public hearings on the draft EIS, some local residents expressed strong opposition to the buildup, arguing that issues such as land acquisition, congestion and a strain on existing water and energy resources -- outweigh its benefits.
"The reality is that this buildup is coming, (so) we also have to take the posture of finding ways to leverage the buildup as much as possible so the buildup plans are carried out in such a way that it benefits the community at large," Leddy said.
By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • January 15, 2010
A revenue surge, infrastructural improvements and investments in health-care facilities and equipment are among a list of reasons the Guam Chamber of Commerce has said the military buildup is necessary for Guam.
According to the "14 Reasons Why We Need the Military Buildup" posted on the Chamber's Web site, the relocation of 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents to Guam will provide revenues "our government desperately needs ... in order to provide services our people depend on."
"We know that local infrastructure such as roads, utilities and ports of entry will finally be upgraded, and the federal government will assist in getting this done," the Chamber's statement read. "By the military working with our own solutions for garbage, the solutions may cost less for all of us."
This preliminary list is a bullet-point document that's a precursor to the White Paper the Chamber is close to finalizing, said David Leddy, president of the Guam Chamber of Commerce.
While the Chamber's White Paper, also known as the Opportunities Paper, will not present the Chamber's view on the draft Environmental Impact Statement document study, it will provide perspectives from experts in various industries, talking about the challenges in their respective fields, and what they feel the positive impact of the buildup will be on their industries.
"It's straightforward information, dispelling some of the urban myths that are out there," said Leddy. "The other component to this White Paper is that we're compiling endorsements and testimonials from different organizations, other like-minded stake holders (who) see some of the positive aspects of the buildup," he said.
With more people paying income taxes, and as businesses pay more taxes and fees, the draft Environmental Impact Statement estimates that government of Guam will generate $325 million in 2014 revenue alone -- an increase of about 60 percent of its current annual budget.
According to the Defense Department document, Guam's unemployment rate is expected to fall to 4 percent when Guam residents and off-islanders start taking on jobs associated with the military buildup.
The draft EIS shows an additional 33,000 jobs for civilian workers will be created by the 2014 peak, and an additional 6,150 jobs will be provided on a "more permanent basis" thereafter.
That's why Leddy, like many others in the business community, are looking forward to the economic opportunities brought by the buildup.
However, during a series of recent public hearings on the draft EIS, some local residents expressed strong opposition to the buildup, arguing that issues such as land acquisition, congestion and a strain on existing water and energy resources -- outweigh its benefits.
"The reality is that this buildup is coming, (so) we also have to take the posture of finding ways to leverage the buildup as much as possible so the buildup plans are carried out in such a way that it benefits the community at large," Leddy said.
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