March 2008The Willow Grove/Horsham Joint Interagency Installation Implementation Plan report, prepared by L. Robert Kimball and Associates, was released on 29 February 2008.  Go to the DMVA Web Site for more information. Congress Approves Military Transfer of Willow Grove.    At about 8 p.m. on Friday, May 25, President Bush signed into law the DoD supplemental appropriations bill, which contained wording to keep Willow Grove in operation as a joint interagency installation.   Section 3703 of HR 2206 (the "U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act" of 2007)  provides: Sec. 3703.  The Secretary of the Navy shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law, transfer to the Secretary of the Air Force, at no cost, all lands, easements, Air Installation Compatible Use Zones, and facilities at NASJRB Willow Grove designated for operation as a Joint Interagency Installation for use by the Pennsylvania National Guard and other Department of Defense components, government agencies, and associated users to perform national defense, homeland security and emergency preparedness missions.  PNGAS thanks the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation for its foresight in including this provision in pending legislation.  Keeping Willow Grove's core military capabilities is important for regional and national security, homeland defense, homeland security and emergency preparedness.  Have you thought about the strategic importance of the facilities at Willow Grove? The 8,000 foot runway at the base is of great importance to the region in the event of a Katrina like disaster o Significant capabilities are available at Willow Grove in the event of a regional terrorist attack Willow Grove as a Homeland Security Base of Excellence Numerous Government agencies are interested in the facilities at Willow Grove and they would be an outstanding complement to the military capabilities that will remain (see below) o The opportunity to create an interagency base exists today!  A significant military presence remains at Willow Grove! Despite Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) events, many soldiers will proudly continue to serve from Willow Grove! Approximately 4,000 military personnel currently committed to stay Over 1,600 Army Reservists 1,000 PA Air National Guardsmen from the 111th Fighter Wing Over 1,000 PA Army Guard members from the 56th Stryker Brigade These military units possess many unique capabilities in the event of a regional disaster Access to a vitally strategic airfield in order to evacuate patients and/or receive supplies Medical and security emergency response teams Vital emergency equipment and supplies Command and Control capabilities It makes NO sense to abandon flying operations at Willow Grove. Key strategic location. Flying operations enhance the community A carefully designed plan to keep the runway open and maintain flying operations will be good for Willow Grove, Horsham Township and Southeastern Pennsylvania!