Many of you expressed an interest in Fort Monroe and its future.  ATW, editor, Virginia Review
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Kelly, Michael 
To: Kelly, Michael 
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:47 PM
Subject: Governor's News Release


   COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA 
Office of the Governor

Timothy M. Kaine                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
     Governor                                                          August 19, 2008

Contact:                 Gordon Hickey
Phone:                   (804) 225-4260
Cell Phone:           (804) 291-8977 
Internet:                www.governor.virginia.gov 

GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF FORT MONROE REUSE PLAN

~ Plan will guide appropriate reuse of historic property ~

 

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that he has approved the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority's (FMFADA) plan for reuse of the Fort Monroe property when the U.S. Army vacates the base in September 2011. The FMFADA has created a plan that protects the property's historic character, maintains full public access, creates a large-scale park, and calls for adaptive reuse of existing buildings and allows new development within strict guidelines.  

 

"I am pleased with the work of the FMFADA over the past 18 months to create a plan for Fort Monroe that ensures this spectacular and historic property will be enjoyed by many generations to come," Governor Kaine said.  "I also am pleased that the process to create the reuse plan has included many community and regional leaders, experts in historic preservation and economic development, the City of Hampton, and the National Park Service."

 

The Fort Monroe property will revert to state ownership as a result of the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission's 2005 decision to close the nearly 200-year-old Army installation.

 

The Governor is required by law to approve the FMFADA's reuse plan before it can be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Defense. The FMFADA will now submit the plan by September 30, 2008 to the Department of Defense.

 

With the reuse plan approved, the 18-member FMFADA will continue working with the Army, community leaders, and the City of Hampton to prepare to implement the plan upon the Army's departure in three years.

 

Fort Monroe was first established as an Army installation in 1819.  It was established as a National Historic Landmark in 1960.  The property's 570 acres include 40 acres of wetlands, 13 acres of beaches, and 20 acres of recreational areas.  There are approximately 150 structures, including roughly 300 housing units, and some 1.5 million square feet of non-residential space.  There also is a 332-slip marina.

More information on the fort, including the reuse plan, is available online at www.fmfada.com. 

 

Governor Kaine and his Cabinet will visit Fort Monroe tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20, at 9 a.m. to ceremonially sign the reuse plan and tour the facility as part of his ninth Cabinet Community Day. The event is open to the media and public.

            

 

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