Governor signs Allen military base protection act

New Jersey military installations - especially Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst - would get enhanced protections from development encroachment, if a south Jersey-sponsored law enacted by Governor Christie achieves its goal.

The measure by Senator Diane Allen (R-7) directs state, county and local governments to develop long-term land-use policies in collaboration with installation commanders. The Assembly approved it by a 78-0 count, following the Senate's 38-0 vote in May.

"New Jersey's military bases provide our residents with tens of thousands of great jobs," Senator Allen said in a prepared statement. "This legislation will improve coordination of land use planning between the military and local governments, helping limit civilian encroachment on military installations."

Allen noted that the bill, S-1992, can supplement efforts by the Joint Base and New Jersey's other military centers to avert future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) operations.

Allen serves on the Council on Armed Forces and Veterans' Affairs (DMAVA).

Ocean County, under the aegis of Business Development and Tourism Director Dana Lancelotti, maintains an active committee of public- and private-sector leaders who strive to stay in close contact with key Joint Base personnel.

JBMDL is one of five bases around the country under consideration to house the KC-46A air-to-air refueler, successor to the KC-10 now centered there. Shore Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-3) continues to push for continuation at the Joint Base.