A Senate Resolution opposing the proposal to permit members of the general public to utilize housing located at Naval Weapons Station Earle.

Whereas, Naval Weapons Station Earle ("NWS Earle"), located in Monmouth County, is an active United States Navy installation that provides operational support to our naval fleet, including the storage and supply of ammunition for the Atlantic fleet; and

Whereas, NWS Earle has been described by the military as "the Navy's premier ordinance transshipment facility"; and

Whereas, The U.S. Department of Defense ("Defense Department") has advanced a proposal that permits the general public to utilize housing units on the base in areas previously dedicated to military use; and

Whereas, The Defense Department recently abandoned a similar plan in the face of strong local opposition that arose from concerns over the significant security risks and additional burdens that would have been placed on local communities; and

Whereas, Recent terror attacks, such as the 2009 shooting in Foot Hood, Texas, as well as attempted terrorist attacks, such as the 2007 plot concerning Fort Dix, New Jersey, highlight the need for utmost diligence and precaution at our military bases; and

Whereas, The Inspector General of the Defense Department has noted that the prior plan to allow the civilian housing on NWS Earle would result in an "increased security monitoring burden," which would require diverting critical base resources; and

Whereas, The Inspector General of the Defense Department also anticipated "[s]ignificant impacts" to local school districts in absorbing the families of new residents under the prior plan, including potential increased class sizes, additional busing costs, need for new educational facilities, or redistricting; and

Whereas, There is no indication that civilians utilizing the base and local resources would pay property taxes, which would increase the tax burden on local taxpayers; and

Whereas, The proposal would saddle additional burdens and costs on local firefighter, police, and first aid departments; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:

1. The Senate of the State of New Jersey opposes the proposal to permit the general public to utilize housing at Naval Weapons Station Earle.

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Governor of this State, the United States Secretary of Defense, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and each member of New Jersey's Congressional delegation.

STATEMENT

This resolution opposes the U.S. Department of Defense ("Defense Department") proposal to open housing units located at Naval Weapons Station Earle to civilians unaffiliated with the base or our military.

This proposal raises concern that civilians, utilizing a military base that stores significant amounts of ammunition, may pose a security risk that endangers service members and local residents alike. The base would be required to dedicate additional resources to monitoring and securing its facilities and stockpiles, thereby diverting resources from other critical aspects of base security and oversight. Recent terrorist plots targeting our military facilities, including one located in the State, highlight the need to take every measure to ensure the safety of our service members, military installations, and surrounding communities.

This proposal would impact local school districts and taxpayers. For instance, it may increase class sizes, result in additional busing costs, necessitate building new educational facilities, or require redistricting. Furthermore, it is not clear that the civilian residents of the base would be subject to the general property tax requirements that fund the impacted school districts. This issue would likely lead to increased property taxes of other local residents (already burdened with the highest property taxes in the country).

In 2011, in the face of united public opposition, the Defense Department cancelled a similar proposal. The Defense Department recognized the legitimate and serious concerns of the local community and found alternative means to resolve funding problems. Since that time, events have unfolded and threats have materialized that serve to support this decision of the Defense Department--and this policy should be continued.