The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) are conducting further studies at the Virginia Army National Guard's Maneuver Training Center at Fort Pickett and in Nottoway County's Pickett Park to assess the potential for locating a planned Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) at the installation.

The move, announced by Gov. Bob McDonnell this week, comes after a year-long comprehensive search process
that included the review of over 40 publicly-held sites in the vicinity of Washington, D.C., which led to Fort Pickett and Pickett Park being selected as a potential candidate.

According to the governor's office, the site will now undergo an environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act. The EIS will be prepared to address potential impacts to the natural, social and cultural environment. The study may take up to two years to complete, and will include a "robust and transparent" public engagement process to answer questions from citizens and address any possible concerns about the project. Following the completion of the EIS, a final decision will be made by the DOS and GSA whether to move forward with the site and develop construction documents.

Nottoway's County Administrator, Ronald E. Roark, said Nottoway is "elated about being selected" to continue in the process that began in April 2010.

"Anytime you add 1,000 jobs to a small community, the impact is great," he said, adding that the county, led by the Nottoway Board of Supervisors, does not have to do anything to further their involvement or increase the chances of a more positive outcome. "It's all the federal government from here."

While the federal government has not indicated a timeline for when a final decision will come down, Roark believes the county will be selected to host the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center.

Last June, the federal government abandoned plans for a Foreign Affairs Security Training Center at the Hunt Ray/Crismer Farm site on Maryland's Eastern Shore, reopening its site selection process in the wake of fierce opposition from nearby residents.

The 1,250-acre center would have turned a rural stretch of Centreville in Queen Anne's County into a hands-on training facility including a mock urban simulation area, firing ranges, driving tracks and an explosives testing area as well as classroom and office space. Such facilities, according to the DOS, consolidate diplomatic training
currently conducted at 19 facilities nationwide. Training involves language studies, management and information
technology.

In Nottoway County, training will include weapons training similar to what is conducted at Fort Pickett and
also will include a driving course and other classroom instruction. The DOS plans to transfer or consolidate a number of staff positions to the site.

"Virginia remains a key strategic partner for the military and the federal government due to our close proximity to Washington D.C. and our wholehearted support of our military, homeland security and law enforcement partners," McDonnell said. "We welcome this news that would help enhance our national security and could bring hundreds of much-needed jobs to Nottoway County and the surrounding region."

The governor further noted that Virginia will work closely with the community, the Virginia Department of Military Affairs and the Department of State to support the environmental impact statement and address the needs of residents in this area.

Once completed, the center in Nottoway County will be used to provide security training for DOS and other U.S. government staff posted at American embassies overseas. A small number of foreign security personnel will also
receive training at the center.

The Nottoway County project could potentially bring construction jobs and other employment to the local community. According to DOS estimates, approximately 300 to 500 jobs could be created as part of the first phase of construction and the preliminary estimate for longer term permanent part- or full-time job ranges from 850 to 1,000.

from the Hampton Roads Voice

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