[CPEO-MEF] Civilians strategize to protect Navy base

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California
VENTURA COUNTY STAR
Civilians strategize to protect Navy base
By John Mitchell, jmitchell@insidevc.com
September 15, 2003

IMPACT TO COUNTY: more than $1.2 billion

Ventura County is one of many communities across the country digging in
its heels to protect its military bases from the closure and alignment
ax scheduled to fall in late 2005.

The local jewel is Naval Base Ventura County. In 1995, the year the
government last closed and realigned bases, the county was home to
separate bases at Point Mugu and Port Hueneme, each with its own
commanding officer. In October 2000, the bases were combined under one
commander.

According to Bill Buratto, CEO and president of the Ventura County
Economic Development Association, the base now has about 17,000
military, civilian and contractor jobs with an estimated impact of $1.2
billion annually.

In addition, it generates 30,000 jobs in the county, which translates to
another $750 million each year. Buratto attributes the numbers to the
Regional Defense Partnership for the 21st Century, a spinoff of BRAC-95,
the mix of local business, community and military leaders that waged a
successful campaign to protect the bases a decade ago.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.insidevc.com/vcs/county_news/article/0,1375,VCS_226_2260266,00.html

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