[CPEO-MEF] Lowry AFB Privatization

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

from Anne Callison <Awbarbour@aol.com>

It has been revealed during the process of considering the proposed
privatization of the cleanup of the former Lowry AFB that the
contractor, Cherokee Environmental Risk Management, which was selected
by the Lowry Redevelopment Authority (LRA), figures that since the
former base will no longer be a "BRAC" base, then DOD policy regarding
RABs no longer applies.

The LRA has made it very clear that they want to shut the Lowry RAB out
of the "input" process once they get a Cooperative Agreement signed with
the AF.  The AF has made it clear the RAB will stay involved. This will
be particularly important as Cherokee is touting the fact that "if one
technology doesn't work, we'll just switch to another."

One, I think they are ignoring the realities of the AF having to review
all technologies, two, that the regulators will have to review all
technologies, and three, the public is not going to stand for Cherokee
and the LRA using any technology they choose. 

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether privatization means a base is
no longer a BRAC site and under DOD guidance?  Were the RABs done away
with in the privatization schemes now in effect at other former BRAC sites?

Anne Callison, community co-chair, Lowry AFB RAB

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