With the recent release of the Army’s Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA), the Department of Defense began analysis of the potential environmental and socioeconomic impact of end strength reductions of 1,000 or more soldiers and/or civilians at 30 U.S. Army installations, including Fort Riley.
The worst case scenario is a loss of 16,000 military and civilian personnel from Fort Riley.
View the Federal Register and Full SPEA Report
The Army is conducting a 60-day comment period followed by a listening session to receive public input before making any final decisions as to reduction of forces.
The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce urges community members to participate in the 60-day comment period to emphasize the importance of Fort Riley to Manhattan and especially the benefits of Manhattan as a military inclusive community.
The Chamber, in conjunction with the Governor’s Military Council, has created a list of talking points to help you craft your letter in support of Manhattan and Fort Riley.
Please write and send your letter. If you are a business owner, feel free to write from that perspective as well as your own personal perspective, no later than Monday, August 25, 2014, via the following contact addresses:
Email: Regular mail (postcards or letters acceptable):
U.S. Army Environmental CommandATTN: SPEA Public Comments2450 Connell Road (Building 2264)Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7664
Please contact Janet Nichols
, the Chamber’s Military/Community Liaison, if you have any questions.