Guarding the military: Lawmakers work to help safeguard military installation in state

Legislation co-sponsored by state Sen. Don Davis of Greene County would help stabilize the military's presence in North Carolina.

We hope it becomes law.

The bill calls for the state Military Affairs Commission to adopt a comprehensive strategic plan to enhance the state's military bases, stations and posts along with their missions.

The bill, Davis said this week, makes clear North Carolina's priorities and objectives to preserve its military presence. Davis, a former Air Force officer, said the state needs to be prepared for the next round of proposed base closings and that the bill would help do just that.

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has a $600 million economic impact on Wayne County annually. The county can ill afford to lose the base, or have its mission reduced.

Among other things, the plan will look at encroachment and ways communities can accommodate both growth and the need to protect land around military installations.

We applaud Davis and Wayne County's other representatives, who have made it clear they are working to keep the state's military presence strong and safe.

Published in Editorials on June 22, 2017 9:41 PM