Local leaders to Army: Bragg cuts an ‘economic tsunami’

By MARTHA WAGGONER
Associated Press

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (AP) – Fayetteville-area leaders say a worst-case scenario for cuts at Fort Bragg will result in an “economic tsunami” for the region.

The chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners made that comment Thursday at a “listening session” with Fort Bragg and Army leaders about the effect of force reduction plans on the post. Board chairman Kenneth Edge says he hopes the Army’s investment in construction on Fort Bragg is a sign that the worst-case scenario won’t happen.

An Army report says Fort Bragg could lose as many as 16,000 soldiers and civilians over the next decade. The region could lose more than 21,000 jobs. The report also says the regional economic affect would be almost $1 billion.

Similar sessions have been held at 14 other installations; 15 more are scheduled.

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