On the Senator’s desk... On Wednesday, the commission considering military base closures voted to realign Fort Bliss per the recommendations made by the Department of Defense in May. Also decided today was a significant realignment of Fort Hood and the decision to spare Red River Army Depot in Texarkana from closure. Naval Station Ingleside and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi were recommended for closure by the commission.

The commission approved moving Fort Bliss' air defense artillery units to Fort Sill, Oklahoma and relocating the 1st Armored Division and other units from Germany and Korea to Fort Bliss. If the President and Congress approve the commission's final recommendations, Fort Bliss and the El Paso community could see as many as 20,000 new troops over the next several years.

With these decisions, Fort Bliss continues to be a top Army installation with unique research and training capabilities. Senator Shapleigh and many others in El Paso have been working for over two years to promote the military value of Fort Bliss and El Paso, and the Department of Defense and Base Realignment and Closure commission recognize that value. Promoting Fort Bliss and El Paso was a team effort that included elected leaders and interested El Pasoans who value the great military tradition of our community. "Our office extends great appreciation to Major General James P. Maloney who did an extraordinary job to keep our A.D.A. School." said Senator Shapleigh.

Among those who visited the Senator this week ...

Dr. Herbert Richardson, Texas A & M's Agency Director for the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), William Stockton, Assistant Agency Director and several members of the TTI staff met with Senator Shapleigh to discuss the Intelligent Transportation Center of the TTI, that was created during this last session by Senator Shapleigh. This Center, the premier concept of secure free trade expanding the movement of people and goods through the use of intelligent transportation systems technology will be located in El Paso Texas. Look for this Center to open soon.

Upcoming News...

On September 2-3, Senator Shapleigh and Senator Jeffrey Jones of Chihuahua, Mexico will co-host a Border Legislative Conference Regional Economic Development Forum in Austin. The Forum will bring together local, state, and federal leaders from both sides of the border to discuss how to develop a more efficient and vibrant border region. Anyone interested in attending the Forum please contact Katherine Saunders at (800) 544-1990 or via email at Katherine.saunders@senate.state.tx.us