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Bishop Announces Support For 46th Army Brigade Combat Team

April 23, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) today announced his support for a 46th Army Brigade Combat Team (BCT) which was scheduled to come to Fort Stewart in Liberty County, Ga. Earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced that the Army will stop the growth of BCTs at 45 brigades, rather than the 48 brigades previously planned.

“My concern is based on the increased need for Army combat troops in our global war against terror and the impact the BCT curtailment will have on Fort Stewart,” Bishop said in a letter to Secretary of the Army Pete Geren. “Military Construction funds have already been authorized and appropriated for the 46th BCT. Numerous housing, schools, and base infrastructure projects have begun, and investments by local businesses have been made, in preparation for receiving the new brigade. I am concerned about the disposition of the appropriated funds and impact on local business should Fort Stewart not receive the new BCT.”

According to Bishop, Fort Stewart is an ideal location for military growth as it possesses one of the largest training areas east of the Mississippi capable of Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force joint training. Additionally, it is the only post in the Army that is adjacent to both a sea and aerial port of debarkation.