BRAC: Kaine statement

I just received the following:

GOVERNOR KAINE’S STATEMENT ON DOD INSPECTOR GENERAL’S RULING

WASHINGTON, DC – Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement today, regarding the announcement of the Department of Defense Inspector General’s ruling that Virginia is not in compliance with the BRAC Commission’s requirements to address encroachment around Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach:

“I was disappointed to learn today that the Department of Defense Inspector General has ruled Virginia not in compliance with the requirements laid out by the BRAC Commission for keeping the Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia.

“Although the Navy asked for Oceana to remain open, the BRAC Commission has ignored the value of this installation to the community and to the nation.

“In response to the BRAC Commission’s order issued late last year, state and local officials in Richmond, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake put together a plan that meets each of the Commission’s six requirements for maintaining operations at Oceana. Our plan fully and fairly addresses the requirement to prevent further encroachment, while protecting the rights of Virginia families who own property in the area.

“We disagree with the Inspector General’s ruling, and we will, in consultation with Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, our Congressional delegation, the Attorney General’s Office, and our legal counsel, carefully consider our next steps.”

I guess it is official. The BRAC commission has not accepted the Virginia Beach plan to save Oceana. Now what?