Whiting Field Land Acquisition Study Presented to BOCC Today
At the Thursday, June 23 commission regular meeting, Volkert, Inc. will present information related to the grant-funded update to the 2003 Land Acquisition Study, which developed a phased plan to limit encroachment at Naval Air Station Whiting Field. The partnership formed over many years between NAS Whiting Field and Santa Rosa County is recognized at the highest levels of the navy as “the Santa Rosa model.” Over the past 10 plus years, this partnership has buffered more than 5,000 acres around the base from encroachment through the use of Florida Defense Infrastructure Grants and the Readiness and Environment Protection Integration Program.
Randy Roy, navy operational liaison officer for NAS Whiting Field, expressed, “NAS Whiting Field continues to enjoy a tremendous partnership that is unparalleled across the nation. The ability of the county to partner with state grants to protect not only our mission but the mission of the county is a win-win; now and into the future.”
According to the 2015 Florida Defense Fact Book, NAS Whiting Field has a $1.19 billion impact on the local economy, and comprises approximately 35 percent of Santa Rosa County’s total gross regional product. Preventing encroachment helps strengthen the mission of the installation, protects against base closure initiatives, and preserves the safety of the public.
Volkert, Inc. was approved for consulting services related to the plan update at the January 21 board meeting. The purpose of the presentation will be to provide information related to the update and the methodologies that will be used.
The draft plan update will be available next week on the county website for review. Comments or suggestions related to the update can be submitted to ericag@santarosa.fl.gov through Friday, July 8. Completion of the final update is anticipated in early August.
