Worst case Scenario Post Would Lose 3,100 of 7,000 Permanent Military and Civilian Personnel
Fort Jackson has been added to a list of United States Army posts being considered for major personnel reductions. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is reacting quickly to “build a network of stakeholders to reach elected officials of both parties at the local, state, and federal level. “
Under the worst case scenario, the Army’s Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA) projects that Fort Jackson could lose 3,100 of its 7,000 permanent party Army soldier and civilian population.
“This reduction would be devastating to the Midlands, and doesn’t account for the associated economic decline in the ensuing reduction in basic trainees,” said the Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber estimates that losing 3,100 jobs would equate to a population loss of 7,733, including direct, indirect employees, spouses and dependents.
The immediate financial impact on income in the Midlands is estimated at $189 million.
This loss of personnel would reduce local retail sales by $286 million. There would be a sales tax loss of $3.3 million in tax receipts.
Local public schools would lose financial impact aid from the federal government for an estimated 3,000 dependent school age children that would no longer be attending local schools.
“On or before August 25, every possible stakeholder must submit written comments on the impact of the SPEA on Fort Jackson. Written comments should be sent to Susan McPherson before August 20 and will be sent to: U. S. Army Environmental Command, Attn: SPEA Public Comments, 2450 Connell Rd. (Building 2264), Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston, Texas78234-7664; email;
To be successful the community must provide specific, concise and qualitative feedback on the socioeconomic impact of 3,100 jobs leaving Fort Jackson.
Following the conclusion of the NEPA process, the Army will conduct community listening sessions to receive public input before making any force structure decisions.
The chamber is proposing that the Midlands community organize a large and impactful economic development presentation and rally as a part of the listening session.
For additional information, contact Susan McPherson at the Columbia Chamber. Phone: (803) 733-1148.
