COMPROMISE BILL ON MARINE BASE EXPANSION GETS SUPPORT

Congressman Paul Cook’s compromise plan for the expansion of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center into Johnson Valley has gathered important congressional support. Dan Stork reports…
In advance of a presentation before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation, Congressman Paul Cook’s compromise plan for the expansion of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center into Johnson Valley has gotten a co-sponsor. Representative Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, (R-Santa Clarita) the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee is on board with Cook’s proposal. That proposal would create the Johnson Valley National OHV Recreational Area. The area would be designated specifically for recreational uses, including but not limited to off-highway vehicle use, camping, and hiking. U.S. Marine Corps activities would be permitted to take place twice annually and could not include any explosives that could be left behind without detonating. McKeon said that his committee has been working on the problem of MCAGCC expansion for years, and added that “Cook’s leadership and unique insight that has created a balanced approach.”