Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. statement, June 26, 1995

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Richard Cross June 26, 1995 202-225-3061 STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. REGARDING THE BRAC DECISION TO CLOSE THE U. S. ARMY PUBLICATIONS DEPOT AT MIDDLE RIVER “I am saddened and disappointed by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission’s 6-2 vote to uphold the Department of Defense’s (DoD) recommendation to close the U. S. Army Publications Distribution Center at Middle River and transfer its operations to St. Louis. “I toured the Middle River depot shortly after I was elected to Congress, and was deeply impressed by its state-of-the-art operations and unmatched efficiency. This facility deserves to remain open based on merit alone. Politics in Washington-not cost-cutting or our nation’s longterm defense needs-was the truly decisive factor behind the DoD’s decision. “By acceding to DoD’s illogical recommendation, BRAC is forfeiting an historic opportunity to achieve meaningful cost savings by consolidating all DoD’s publications distribution activities into Middle River and other regional facilities. This is the only option which makes sense from the twin standpoints of cost effectiveness and quality. “While none of the BRAC commissioners chose to personally visit the depot, its employees did all they could to bring the depot to BRAC. Their presentation before the BRAC regional hearing in Catonsville was outstanding. The site of dozens of Middle River employees- all wearing “Keep BRAC on Track” t-shirts-was something I will never forget. These are people