Willow Grove Base Deal Falls Through

This was posted to The Reporter Online today, "State pulls outof Willow Grove base," regarding the Willow Grove Naval Air Base:

Governor Edward Rendell announced Thursday that Pennsylvania has withdrawn plans to continue operations at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NASJRB) in Willow Grove, according to a press release from his office.

Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz released this statement:

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz issued the following statement in response to Gov. Ed Rendell’s decision to withdraw plans for the proposed Horsham Joint Interagency/Installation for Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove.

In a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates today, Gov. Rendell announced that without a commitment from the federal government to be a partner in both the operation and funding of the installation, the federal property should not be transferred to the state for ownership.

“Earlier today, Gov. Rendell notified Secretary Gates of his decision not to proceed with what I believe would have been a valuable homeland security installation for Southeastern Pennsylvania and the United States.

“I am disappointed with this decision. I intend to continue working with the state and federal government, as well as the community, on future issues pertaining to the base and any future possibilities for the site.”