APG leadership briefs Congressional staffers

By Mr. Dan Lafontaine (RDECOM Public Affairs)May 31, 2011

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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- The installation is quickly becoming the U.S. Army's hub for science and technology, APG senior commander Maj. Gen. Nick Justice told staff from Maryland's Congressional delegation March 30.

"This place will be the biggest success story in BRAC," Justice said, referencing base realignment and closure that is bringing thousands of high-tech jobs to northeast Maryland.

Representatives of U.S. Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Benjamin Cardin and U.S. Reps. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Andy Harris and Roscoe Bartlett gathered at the Berger Laboratory Complex at the start of their APG tour.

Because of BRAC, APG serves as the headquarters for several of the Army's science-focused commands, including U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command; U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command; and Communications-Electronics Command.

Justice also discussed another installation priority -- to build, renovate and demolish. He said World War I barracks are still standing on the Edgewood Area.

"We've torn down 54 buildings this year," Justice said. "It takes an incredible effort to decontaminate the materials in those buildings.

"We're looking to get those torn down because they cost us money. They're wasteful, and they're not good for our environment."

Col. Orlando Ortiz, APG Garrison commander, led the group on a tour of BRAC new construction and renovation.

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