County, APG officials meet for discussions

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- Harford County elected officials and community leaders met with Aberdeen Proving Ground leaders April 16 to discuss common issues affecting the transformation of the installation.

With new construction well underway on the post and thousands of new employees scheduled to arrive from the base realignment process, the forum provided an opportunity to address topics ranging from transportation to education and from workforce development to improved communication among the communities.

"APG is one of the driving economic forces of the Harford Count," said David Craig, county executive. "We must collectively face the challenges of base realignment. If you're not successful, we're not successful."

Transformation will bring at least 6,000 new civilian jobs Aberdeen Proving Ground by the year 2015.

Installation Commanding General Maj. Gen. Nick Justice explained the Army's intent for Aberdeen Proving Ground.

"Aberdeen Proving Ground is going to be a national hub for cutting edge science, technology and engineering for the Army and the beacon of development for the region," Justice said.

Aberdeen Proving Ground officials said they want to strengthen the partnerships between installation and local leaders.

"Meetings like this are important to maintain effective communication," said Robert DiMichele, installation spokesperson. "Strong community ties are necessary to gain a common understanding of the challenges facing government, industry and academia as the velocity of transformation continues to ramp up."

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Related Links:

Army Technology Live

Aberdeen Proving Ground