November 9, 2004

SACRAMENTO – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today appointed The Honorable Andrea Seastrand, Executive Director of the California Space Authority, to the Governor's Council on Base Support and Retention.  The Council consists of representatives from industries closely tied to the continued support of national defense installations in our economy and retired military leaders from throughout California.  The Council will work closely with the Governor's Office of Military and Aerospace Support in developing and implementing the state's BRAC preparedness plan.

"BRAC preparedness is essential for California to ensure that our economy and the jobs that support our military services and installations are not adversely affected.  The air and space industries, in particular, are most susceptible to base closures and realignments. The continued erosion of space enterprise in California means the often permanent loss of our technological, intellectual and space infrastructure advantage," explained Seastrand. "Without a strong BRAC preparedness plan, California will become less competitive in exploiting emerging opportunities.  Consequently, the state's worldwide market share in the highly competitive commercial space applications market, not to mention the lucrative military markets, will continue to shrink."

The Council is expected to meet soon and begin the process of developing a comprehensive strategy and plan for supporting and retaining our military bases.

"I applaud Governor Schwarzenegger for his leadership in this regard and look forward to working with him and the other members of the Council to promote California," Seastrand concluded.

Governor Schwarzenegger Establishes Council on Base Support and Retention

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