As part of its Community and Military Connection Series, the Moore County Chamber of Commerce hosted Col. Stephen Sicinski, garrison commander of Fort Bragg, March 31 at National Golf Club.

The Chamber board of directors said in a news release that it "recognizes the importance of our military neighbors and the opportunity to provide a hands-on perspective of the day-to-day operations of Fort Bragg. Through the Community and Military Connection Series, the Chamber is able to highlight key military personnel and create an open dialogue with the membership and our military partners."

Sicinski discussed Fort Bragg and its impact on the region. With the completion of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) in September, Fort Bragg will become the largest Army installation in the United States, with more general officers than any other installation except the Pentagon.

Sicinski stated that the final phase of BRAC is the relocation of 3,500 Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command jobs from Fort McPherson in Georgia. These high-ranking officers, civilians and their families will continue their moves to the region through this fall. Many may choose to live in Moore County.

Currently, the population of Fort Bragg for fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011 ranges between 144,666 and 151,312. These figures include active duty military, training military, reserve component military, civilian employees, contract employees and military family members. On an average day, the garrison command supports more than 263,000 personnel on Fort Bragg.

Sicinski described how BRAC is an economic development driver, expanding the customer base for existing businesses and attracting new defense-related companies. He stated that on a daily basis, Fort Bragg has an economic impact of $26 million per day, or $9.5 billion annually, on the region.

One of the biggest challenges the base faces in the immediate future is to cope with the ever-increasing traffic congestion on base. Sicinski explained that Fort Brag has identified a transportation improvement plan, with 10 priorities to assist with this congestion. The costs for these improvements range from $13 million to $56 million, but funding is not available at this time.

In conclusion, Sicinski highlighted several accomplishments, including the 2010 Gold Medal for the Community of Excellence Award, the NC Sustainable Transportation Award and IMCOM Regional Fire Department of the Year.