Boyle, Meehan Concerned About Long Delays In Willow Grove Study

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-P-13) has joined Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-PA-07) in asking for answers from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus about the delay of a Navy study stalling redevelopment of the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Horsham, Montgomery County. The Congressmen sent a joint letter today directly to Secretary Mabus.

"We write to you today concerned about delays in the redevelopment of the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station," wrote Reps. Meehan and Boyle. "A December 2012 Navy report estimated that this project will generate 10,000 jobs in Horsham Township. But for the past eight years, the township's redevelopment plans have been stalled by long-delayed reviews and studies "

"The most recent delay in the development project is due to a Navy environmental impact statement that was originally slated for completion in early 2014….The Navy, however, has grossly missed its target date for the completion of the study," the letter continued.

We respectfully request that the Navy fully complete its environmental impact statement as soon as possible. Immediate implementation of this project will bring jobs, economic opportunity and growth to residents of our Congressional districts. Importantly it will give township leaders and resident reassurance that, nearly a decade later, their goals for this property will be realized."

The full text of the letter is reproduced below:

The Hon. Ray Mabus
Secretary of the Navy
100 Navy Pentagon
Washington, DC 20350-1000

We write to you today concerned about delays in the redevelopment of the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Horsham Township, Montgomery County.

The Horsham Land Redevelopment project calls for the construction of 1,486 residential units. New residents will enjoy a new office park, golf course, aviation museum, middle school and town center. A December 2012 Navy report estimated that this project will generate 10,000 jobs in Horsham Township. But for the past eight years, the township's redevelopment plans have been stalled by long-delayed reviews and studies.

The most recent delay in the development project is due to a Navy environmental impact statement that was originally slated for completion in early 2014. It is critical that we ensure the land's redevelopment is completed safely. The Navy, however, has grossly missed its target date for the completion of the study. It is imperative that the Navy complete its review so the community can finally break ground on the redevelopment project.

We respectfully request that the Navy fully complete its environmental impact statement as soon as possible. Immediate implementation of this project will bring jobs, economic opportunity and growth to residents of our congressional districts. Importantly it will give township leaders and residents reassurance that, nearly a decade later, their goals for this property will be realized.

Please inform us as to what can be done to expedite this process. Thank you for your attention to our request.

Sincerely,

Patrick Meehan
Member of Congress

Brendan Boyle
Member of Congress