Washington, D.C. - The Department of Defense has informed U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) that the official closure of the Orange Navy Reserve Center has been set for September 2008, nearly three years ahead of the maximum six year timeline set by law for the Department of Defense to close any property slated for closure by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC).

 

"We would like to see the transfer of Orange Navy Reserve Center property occur tomorrow, but considering that some bases are still waiting for transfers a decade after they were officially closed, this is a pretty speedy timetable," said Brady who is working hand in hand with local leaders to see that the property develops into an economic driver for the community. 

 

The Orange Navy Reserve Center was recommended for closure by the Department of Defense in their Base Closure Realignment Report, approved by Congress on November 9, 2005. While the property has a rich tradition in support of the United States military, community leaders agreed with the BRAC report recommendation to close this facility, hoping the valuable Sabine River water front property could be utilized to further economic development in the City of Orange. 

 

The September 2008 close date is the deadline the Department of Defense has set for itself to have its operations and personnel out of the facility. While this indicates the closing of the facility, the BRAC process does not specify a specific timeframe to complete transition and actual disposal of the property.  Pursuant to BRAC regulations, a local redevelopment authority has been formed to represent the community in working with the military to allow full acquisition of the property in a timely manner.