Business

The central region of Maryland using Aberdeen Proving Ground as an example with approximately 8,200 new jobs expected as a result of BRAC will see a very substantial impact to the business community. The new jobs will include military and civilian positions. Before the bulk of the relocated report for duty in this region several things must happen. First a NEPA-EIS needs to be completed. This is an Environmental Impact Statement per the National Environment Policy Act. Once this is completed, a MILCON or Military-Construction phase will begin which is anticipated to last 2 years. Essentially this includes creation or renovation of infrastructure or physical facilities where the new personnel will actually operate. Then this will be followed by phased moves over a span of about two years.

BRAC’s impact is gaining lots of attention; the news of the potential gains to businesses in this area has been well promoted or “run up a flag pole”. That flag pole is pretty tall and has gotten the attention of your competitors both near and far, some of whom you may not even know exist yet. You might not know about them because these competitors may be from out of this area and are just gearing up to open shop here. In other cases these competitors will come from brand new local businesses or expansions of existing ones preparing to capitalize on the new economic condition.