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North Country Business and Resources Gap Analysis Completed Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization Economic Development Task Force will hold a meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, in the 1st Floor Conference Room of the Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street in Watertown. Last spring, the FDRLO commissioned a North Country Business and Resources Gap Analysis to determine how to leverage Fort Drum for business development and attraction in the Fort Drum Region. The study is now complete and members of the consultant team from Economic Development Research Group and Location Advisory Services will be on hand to present their findings. Douglas Schelleng, chair of the FDRLO’s Task Force, also plans to initiate a discussion about how to implement their recommendations at this meeting. -30-
FDRLO Announces New
Cyberspace Community Welcome Mat Watertown, NY September 21, 2006 Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization is proud to announce the development of a new cyber-doorway to Drum Country. Where? Unfamiliar with the term Drum Country? You shouldn’t be. It’s that section of Northern New York, often referred to as the North Country. More specifically, Drum Country is “north of Syracuse, NY and south of Canada.” This multi-county region has friendly warm people, a growing economy and is home to the world’s most modern military installation, Fort Drum. The new website, www.DrumCountry.com, will be an essential web site for soldiers, civilians and their families transferring to the Fort Drum area. The site will have numerous tools for planning the move including interactive maps, videos, a community forum and links to other helpful sites. It will include information on healthcare, education, daycare, jobs and housing available in the area. FDRLO is pleased to be working with AdWorkshop of Lake Placid, NY on this project. But before the site is officially launched, FDRLO needs the assistance of photographers in the region. Photo Contest Announced Keith Caughlin, chair of Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization, explains, “We’re looking for great photos of the Fort Drum Region to be used on the new DrumCountry.com website. You’ve heard the expression ‘A picture paints a thousand words.’ Well, we want pictures that will paint 10,000 words.” Caughlin continues, “The categories include scenic views, people enjoying the region in each of our four seasons, sporting events, arts and culture, parades and more. If you took a picture of your home or your block decorated to welcome home a returning soldier, share that with us.”
There will be
three cash prize awards in each category.
Category 1
- Scenic photos of the North Country, Recreation Photos must be in digital format with maximum file size of 5 MB. Photos must be submitted on line at the pre-launch address: DrumCountry.com. No photos will be returned. FDRLO reserves the non-exclusive right to use any photograph(s) in its publications including websites, or for promotional purposes. FDRLO will make reasonable effort to publish entries in an on line Photo Gallery associated with the site. Publication of any photo submitted to the contest in this gallery is at the discretion of FDRLO. Deadline for photo submission is Monday, October 23, 2006. ==================================================================================
Round Two RFP - Release date: May 16, 2006 COMMUNITY RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAM MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT The Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization (FDRLO) and the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) are requesting proposals from qualified developers who will build, own and manage multi-family rental housing located in the Watertown/Fort Drum housing market. The Development Authority has available special funding to provide subordinate financing to stimulate construction of multi-family rental housing in this market for developer controlled sites. This RFP is making available approximately $3 million in subordinate financing with up to $15,000 per housing unit. Developers will be selected based on written proposals which must be delivered to the Development Authority no later than 4:00 PM, Tuesday, July 25, 2006, at the address noted below. Interested developers will be required to attend a mandatory pre-submission conference on Tuesday, May 23, 2006, at 1:30 PM at the DANC office. Additional information, including a Developer's Packet with detailed program description, submission requirements and rating criteria is available at www.danc.org. If you are unable to obtain information from the website you may contact the Development Authority of the North Country, 317 Washington Street, Suite 414, Watertown, New York 13601 [Attn: Kevin Jordan, (315) 785‑2593]. ==================================================================================
Round One RFP - Awards completed COMMUNITY
BASED LARGE SCALE MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ===================================================================== STATE OF NEW YORK GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $9M IN NEW FUNDS TO SUPPORT CREATION OF 800-900 NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS IN FORT DRUM REGION New Funds Will Spur $90 Million in Private Sector Housing Investment in Region Governor George E. Pataki, joined by Senator Jim Wright, Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine, Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, representatives from Jefferson County, the Development Authority of the North Country, and other state, local, and community officials, announced $9 million in new funding to support the development of affordable housing in the Fort Drum region in Jefferson County. The funding, which will be administered by the Development Authority of the North Country, will help support infrastructure improvements such as sewer, water, utilities and roads, which will spur the development of 800-900 new single and multi-family affordable housing units in the region. The $9 million in new funds will generate a total of $90 million, or 10-to-1 ratio, in private sector investment in the housing units. Of the planned first 200 hundred units, 100 will be in Watertown, with 50 units located in both Carthage and Evans Mills. “We know that Fort Drum plays a critical role not only in the defense of our nation, but is a major asset in the surrounding communities," Governor Pataki said. "As the expansion of Fort Drum continues, we are going to work together to confront the challenges faced by local communities to provide quality affordable housing for our military and working families.” “Most importantly, we’re supporting those who are serving in defense of our country and their families and building on the $6.9 million in housing incentives we announced in August, which will create nearly 300 new housing units,” the Governor added. “Our combined efforts make clear our commitment to the expansion of Fort Drum and for efforts to provide quality affordable housing for military and working families in the region.” Senator Jim Wright said, "This significant state and local commitment will enhance our community based effort to ensure the availability of affordable housing for all North Country residents, civilian and military. This state investment should alleviate any private sector concerns and initiate growth of private development investment in our communities. The local officials are to be commended for their commitment." Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine said, “Fort Drum is a vital part of the North Country and we must make investments in the infrastructure which supports it. This funding will help to alleviate our community’s housing shortage and will provide proper homes for our newest residents. Rest assured that I will continue to work hard to ensure that Ft. Drum remains an important part of the North Country community for many years to come.” Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava said, “Our military families sacrifice so much for our country – they should not have to sacrifice safe and comfortable affordable housing. With this funding, our military and working families will be provided with the housing options they deserve. I commend the commitment made by local and state government leaders to secure funding for needed housing improvements, and I especially thank Governor Pataki for his continued efforts to provide for the North Country.” Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum said, “We are very pleased to see the State of New York, the Governor, State Assembly, Senate, Jefferson County and the Development Authority of the North Country, all banding together to respond to the needs of 10th Mountain Division Soldiers and their families. This funding, that will spur new housing will not only benefit Soldiers, but the entire North Country community increasing the stock of available housing for all.” Bob Thomas, Chairman of the Jefferson County Legislature said, “Affordable housing for the residents of the Jefferson County is the number one priority at this time, I am pleased the county is able to work with all levels of government; the Governor, Senate and Assembly and organizations such as FDRLO to bring much needed solutions to this issue.” Douglas Murray, Chairman of the Development Authority of the North Country Board of Directors said, "The Development Authority is happy to provide its support in order to address the growing need for additional housing and stands ready to work with the State, Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization and area communities to meet that need through the production of new rental housing.” The $9 million in new funding is being supported by $2.5 million in State funds secured by the Governor, $2.5 million each from the Senate and the Assembly, $1 million from Jefferson County and $500,000 from the Development Authority of the North Country. In August, the Governor announced housing awards totaling more than $6.9 million to support affordable housing initiatives in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The funds, which are administered through the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) and the Governor's Office of Small Cities (GOSC), will benefit working families, first-time homebuyers and seniors in the Fort Drum Region. Commissioner of the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal Judith Calogero said, "The Fort Drum impact area needs to expand the number of affordable housing opportunities to help serve the people who serve our troops. Every Army family deployed there needs basic goods and services and every worker supplying those goods and services needs housing. This new money combined with our investment this year proves the Governor recognizes this important need and his commitment to the region." The need for additional affordable housing increased as the 3rd Brigade began its arrival at Fort Drum in 2004 and this influx of new soldiers has put significant pressure on the housing market in Watertown, and in surrounding communities, for both the soldiers and their families as well as for North Country residents. This expansion of the 3rd Brigade’s forces will be completed by July of 2006, a total of 6,000 soldiers, increasing the size of the force located at Fort Drum by more than 50 percent. ### =========================================================== GAP Analysis RFP Released (10-31-05) Click here to read release and review RFP ============================================================ FOR RELEASE:
IMMEDIATE-September 1, 2005 CONTACT: WRIGHT
BILL TO HELP MILITARY FAMILIES AFFORD “This legislation has special significance for the North Country,” said Senator Wright. “Jefferson County serves as the home of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division and it is important that we address the needs of our fighting men and woman who continue to risk their lives abroad. This legislation ensures that members of the armed forces and their dependents will be eligible for tuition assistance in the SUNY system”.
Release # 0508-07 MEDIA ADVISORY: 10th Mountain Division to welcome new commander August 24 FORT DRUM - Fort Drum's 10th Mountain Division will welcome its new commander during a ceremony 10 a.m., August 24 at Sexton Field here. Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley will assume command of the Division from Maj. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, who has commanded the unit for the past two years. Freakley comes to the North Country post from Fort Benning, Ga., where he commanded the Army's Infantry Center and was commandant of the Army's Infantry School. Relinquishing command, Austin will next assume the duties as the Chief of Staff at the U.S. Central Command, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. U.S. Central Command is responsible for all U.S. military operations in the Middle East, North Africa and Southwest Asia. Freakley will lead the 10th Mountain Division to Afghanistan when the Division headquarters and the 3rd and 4th Brigade Combat Teams deploy to conduct operations to deny terrorists safe haven in that country as it works to build a stable democracy. Attending the ceremony will be Gen. Dan K. McNeill, commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command, with responsibility for some 700,000 Soldiers across the globe engaged in the Global War on Terrorism as well as numerous other operations and training mission. ====================================================Following is a press release from Rep. John McHugh: McHugh: House Gives Nod to $56.85 Million for Drum Authorization, Appropriations Bills Include Four Military Construction Projects WASHINGTON, D.C. - Two comprehensive measures that direct nearly $57 million in construction projects to Fort Drum have received overwhelming support in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. John M. McHugh (R-NY) worked to have the four projects included in the National Defense Authorization Act, and urged colleagues crafting the Military Quality of Life spending measure to provide funding for the projects. House members voted late Wednesday to approve the authorizing bill, and followed that up Thursday afternoon with a favorable vote on the appropriations legislation. "I'm thrilled to announce these back-to-back successes for four projects that will only help enhance Fort Drum's position as the most modern military installation in the world," McHugh said. "The men and women of the 10th Mountain Division are top-notch soldiers, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to support important base enhancement efforts on their behalf." The four military construction projects approved include: Airfield Vehicle Support Facility at $9.7 million. As the Aerial Port of Embarkation for the 10th Mountain Division, Wheeler Sack Army Airfield must maintain an operational capability every hour of every day. Accordingly, all airfield ground equipment and snow removal equipment must be readily available. This project is required to provide an adequate, heated storage and maintenance facility for snow removal and airfield equipment. Barracks Complex 10300 Block Increment One/Phase One at $38.5 million. The project entails the construction of a total of six new barracks buildings with built-in soldier community areas and supporting facilities to meet current Army standards. The second phase of the project is slated to follow in Fiscal Year 2007, and the total cost of the project is expected to be $54.5 million. Pine Plains Fitness Facility Expansion at $6.8 million. The addition will provide new locker rooms, exercise facilities, site improvements, and renovation of the current facilities. The project will also upgrade support systems such as heating and cooling, and include antiterrorism force protection measures. ASP Pallet Processing Facility at $1.85 million. Currently, there is no facility where munitions can be palletized and accurately weighed for deployment. This project is an enclosed Pallet Processing Facility located at the Ammunition Supply Point. The facility will eliminate the current bottleneck caused by both vehicles and cargo passing through existing facilities, as well as ensure that munitions awaiting deployment outdoors will no longer need to be temporarily stored in the Ammunition Supply Point. ### FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carl A. McLaughlin FDRLO is gratified to learn that FDRLO’s DRUM 2020 Task Force, co-chaired by - 30 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE McHugh: Fort Drum Prevails WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. John M. McHugh (R-NY) made the following statement about today's release of the Department of Defense's (DoD) Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations: "After working in Congress for more than a dozen years on behalf of Fort Drum, it gives me great pleasure to announce today that the installation has not been included on the base closure list released today by DoD. "This is truly a great day for the North Country. Without question, this positive outcome is due in large measure to the brave men and women of the 10th Mountain Division who fight so valiantly and effectively - as well as to the quality of Fort Drum, the most modern military installation on the face of the Earth. "Fort Drum and its thousands of troops have benefited greatly from the longstanding efforts of a tremendously supportive community. So many people have been working so very hard to make a home for the 10th Mountain soldiers and their loved ones, not just since this base closure round was first announced, but since Fort Drum was first expanded in 1985. Our thanks go out to all of them. "I felt more than hopeful going into this announcement that if full consideration was given to the military value of this installation, we would prevail today. In the past 10 years, Congress has directed more than half a billion dollars in additional investments at the base to enhance Drum's mission capabilities - priming our facilities and soldiers to help defend America in the years ahead. "There is no question that today is an important day for the Fort Drum community. However, as we've learned in past rounds, the reality is that this is the beginning, not the end. While we can raise a toast and have half a glass of champagne, we must stay focused. The Commission now has 17 weeks to review these recommendations and use its power - again, as we've seen before - to make changes to this list. "So, I offer my sincere thanks to everyone for the great effort up to this point - now let's get back to work."
### Fort Drum receives 2004 DoD Environmental Award Secretary of Defense 2004 Environmental Award Winners Named Ten military installations and individuals have been identified to receive the 2004 Secretary of Defense Annual Environmental Awards in an awards ceremony planned for May 4, 2005, in the Pentagon. A panel of expert judges from the government, non-profit and private sectors recognized the winners for excellence in five categories: cultural resources management, environmental quality, environmental restoration, natural resources conservation, and pollution prevention. The award winners by category are: Lt. Colonel Michael Tarpley - Camp Beauregard, La., Individual - Cultural Resources ManagementMarine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Installation - Cultural Resources Management (tie) 15th Airlift Wing, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, Installation - Cultural Resources Management (tie) Naval Air Depot Cherry Point, N.C., Industrial Installation - Environmental Quality Misawa Air Base, Japan, Overseas Installation - Environmental Quality Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Hawaii, Installation - Environmental Restoration (tie) Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Installation - Environmental Restoration (tie) Fort Drum, N.Y., Large Installation - Natural Resources Conservation Tinker Air Force Base Pollution Prevention Team, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., Individual/Team - Pollution Prevention Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Va., Installation - Pollution Prevention Recognizing excellence in environmental management is a crucial element in Department of Defense efforts to support the twin imperatives of producing the best-trained military force in the world while providing the best environmental stewardship possible. Each year, the secretary of defense honors installations, teams and individuals for outstanding environmental management by military and civilian personnel, at both domestic and overseas bases, to sustain military readiness, and training and operational capabilities. This year's Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4, at 3 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Auditorium and will be open for media coverage. The ceremony is also scheduled to be broadcast live on the Pentagon Channel at http://www.pentagonchannel.com/, or check local television listings for specific channel information.Detailed information on the secretary's Environmental Awards can be found at https://www.denix.osd.mil/denix/Public/Library/Awards/awards.html .============================================================== April 21, 2005 Release # 0504-05 News Release: Fort Drum, 10th Mountain Division honored for deployment excellence FORT DRUM - Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) were recognized April 18 by the Department of the Army for their exceptional ability to deploy Soldiers and units to support ongoing combat operations and training missions. The 10th Mountain Division (LI) won first place in the large unit category in the Deployment Excellence Awards, the Army's annual competition to determine which Army units and organizations exemplify the Army's deployment and redeployment support missions. Fort Drum was recognized as the runner-up in the Army installation category. This is the first year that the installation and division have competed for the award. Numerous deployments, from Somalia to Haiti and Afghanistan to Iraq, have honed the 10th Mountain Division's deployment and combat capability and the division is actively training for future deployments to support the Global War on Terrorism. The Deployment Excellence Awards cover the period from December 1, 2003 to November 30, 2004. During that period, the division deployed some 3,000 Soldiers, and 1,800, to Afghanistan from July 2003 to June 2004. Prior to the deployment in July 2003, the 10th Mountain Division increased its deployment capabilities by conducting on-site training resulting in 230 new unit movement officers. Also, the division fielded new logistics software and increased its collaboration capability through innovative use of the installation's established intranet. Representatives from the division will be on hand to receive the award at a ceremony in the Washington, D.C. area May 19 during the Army's Annual Logistics Symposium and Logistics Week. For more information about the Army's Deployment Excellence Award program, visit the U.S. Army Transportation Center and Fort Eustis' website at http://www.deploy.eustis.army.mil/DEA/default.htm.- 10 -
WRIGHT AND NIMO ANNOUNCE HOUSING GRANTS Combined funding of $100,000 will identify Fort Drum housing site opportunities WATERTOWN,NY 2-18-05 To address the growing housing needs due to the addition of a third brigade at Fort Drum, the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization will receive $100,000 in grants to identify and market sites for the private development of housing. Senator Jim Wright (R,C,I-Watertown) has secured a $50,000 state grant to match a $50,000 grant from Niagara Mohawk, a National Grid Company, to assist with identifying sites for development. “I am pleased to join with Niagara Mohawk to provide FDRLO assistance to identify sites in the immediate Fort Drum area where new housing can be built or already established buildings restored and refurbished to meet housing needs,” said Senator Wright. “By marketing and encouraging community development, the region’s smaller communities adjacent to Fort Drum such as Theresa, Antwerp, Philadelphia and Black River will see private investment resulting in economic development opportunities as well as an expanded tax base. All the while, providing much needed housing for the region’s growing military population.” “There is no underestimating the impact of Ft. Drum on the economy of northern New York” said Marilyn Higgins, Vice-President of Economic Development for Niagara Mohawk, a National Grid Company. “We consider this grant a strategic investment in the future of that base and that region, and we hope that it helps to further strengthen Fort Drum’s position in the BRAC process.” “We are greatly appreciative of this effort by Senator Wright and Niagara Mohawk. It will increase the likelihood of timely development by identifying locations with significant potential for development,” said Dr. John Deans, Chairman of the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization. “The assistance will help jump start much needed new development by making specific locations more attractive for investment by the private sector.” This is part of a series of steps taken by the Senator to address the growing housing needs in Jefferson County. The Senator is working with local housing agencies as well as the FDRLO housing task force to develop and implement a comprehensive approach to ensure that housing needs of local residents and military personnel and their families are met. By ensuring that potential building sites are available, and then making them shovel ready, private builders will know that the locations have a sound infrastructure, including access to electric, gas and sewer service. Therefore, the building process will be expedited by making prospective sites more appealing. Last month, the City of Watertown received a $300,000 state grant, also secured by Senator Wright, to assist with the costs associated with the demolition of the Cloverdale Apartments. The clearing of the seven acre site will allow for the development of new housing opportunities for Fort Drum military personnel and local civilian families. The region’s population will grow by close to 10,000 following the complete arrival of a third brigade. -30- ======================================================================= The group decided to raise $5,000 after a mortar attack in Iraq left about a hundred soldiers with almost nothing in supplies and personal belongings. For the
complete
story, follow this link to the WWNY-TV website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $2.57 MILLION FOR FORT DRUM RAIL SIDINGS New Sidings Will Improve Force Deployment Capabilities at Base; Support Base's Role in the War on Terror; Help Ensure Base's Future in Jefferson County and the North Country Governor George E. Pataki today announced $2.57 million in Industrial Access Program (IAP) funds for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency to construct two, 5,000-foot rail sidings at Fort Drum, home of the United States Army's 10th Mountain Division, as well as New York Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve units. A rail siding is a stretch of railroad track used to store freight cars or enable trains on the same line to pass. For more on this story click below: http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/year04/aug5_04.htm ========================================================= Pictured here with the Senator are Robert Juravich of DANC, Senator Wright and Commissioner Boardman attended the public hearing with the DOT to publicly
promote the transportation projects. The rooftop highway will now be known as the Northern Tier Expressway. For more information on the planned Route 81 connector road to Ft. Drum visit hhttp://dotweb2.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r7/ftdrum/index.html ***************************************** May 10, 2004 brynn.barnett@mail.house.gov McHUGH ANNOUNCES THIRD BRIGADE TO BE ADDED AT DRUM WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of the Army’s efforts to create a more modular force, officials have selected Fort Drum as a site for one of the new active component brigade “units of action,” according to Rep. John M. McHugh (R-NY). Though the announcement of a new brigade for the 10th Mountain Division was made in March during a House Armed Services Subcommittee hearing chaired by McHugh, the Army’s Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison (OCLL) notified the Congressman today of the decision to locate the brigade at Drum.“This is exciting news for Fort Drum and the local area,” McHugh said. “The addition of this brigade further underscores the Army’s commitment to the 10th Mountain Division – the Army’s most frequently deployed division – and the stellar training capabilities of Fort Drum. I know that not only will the Fort Drum community be excited by this addition, but the entire region will benefit as well.” The addition of the combat maneuver brigade will bring both additional troops and military construction dollars to the post. It is expected that the brigade will be made up of approximately 3,200-3,400 soldiers and, while a portion of these will be troops already stationed at Drum, a great many additional soldiers will be needed to fully staff this third brigade. The Army will provide an estimated $30 million to cover immediate needs for military construction and other costs brought about by the addition of the unit. “With this announcement, activity at Drum will ramp up almost immediately. The influx of soldiers and their families will be met with various activities and construction to provide for their needs. Army officials will be working diligently to construct this brigade – from the date it is officially set to stand up on September 16, to next spring when the unit is expected to be fully staffed. And while adding this brigade will require a major cooperative effort, Fort Drum has always seen unparalleled support from the surrounding community. There is no doubt in my mind that both Fort Drum leadership and the community are up to the task,” continued McHugh. The modular Army will increase war-fighting capabilities from 33 active component brigades to 43 modular active component brigade units of action. These units will be established as the basic maneuver module for the Army – smaller, flexible, and self contained units that are full-spectrum capable. This modularity also standardizes the Army, and develops a force that is more lethal, more agile, and more capable of meeting the current and future operating environment. “All in all, I cannot think of better news for the North Country, and I know area residents and community leaders must be as thrilled about this announcement as I am. 10th Mountain soldiers have made a name for themselves not only within our nation’s Armed Forces, but in nations around the world. The addition of this brigade is a testament to the quality of these soldiers and the dedication of this base to training the world’s best,” McHugh concluded. ### http://mchugh.house.gov***************************************
Thank you for your interest in Fort Drum. We invite you to tour our website at WWW.FDRLO.ORG for more information. If you have a specific question, please contact us at info@fdrlo.org
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