CONGRESSMAN COSTA RESPONDS TO BASE CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Costaresponded to the initial list of this year's round of base closures.
BothLemoore Naval Air Station and the 144th Fighter Wing received a netgain according to the Department of Defense recommendations for base closuresand realignments.
"I wouldlike to thank Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield and the Base Realignmentand Closure Commission for understanding the crucial role that Lemoore and the144th currently play in maintaining America's security both home andabroad, and for recognizing the important role they will play in the future,"stated Costa.
Over thelast several months, Congressman Costa has contacted the Secretary of Defenseand President Bush several times regarding the important work that LemooreNaval Air Station and the144th do for the CentralValley and the protection the bases provide for the WestCoast.
"Inaddition to Lemoore and the 144th protecting our homeland security,these bases also provide secondary benefits to the local economy. Both ofthese bases receiving a net gain this is great news for the CentralValley," Costa concluded.
CongressmanCosta is available for comment. Please call the numbers below to set upan interview.
Kherstin Khan: 559-495-1620
Jack Hall: 559-930-7956
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