BRAC: More bad than good for Carroll?

     After you wade through all the posturing from those who would declare a total win-win for any additional employment at area military bases, county and municipal leaders will have to figure out how to pay for the economic "benefits."
     Yes, a Base Realignment and Closure plan that closes jobs in one state and moves them to Maryland seems to be good for business: More income taxes, more paychecks in the local cash flow, more government contracts to local vendors and all the trickle-down money that brings.
     But the Congress heard a report this week that the Pentagon should do more to help states and local governments to deal with traffic congestion at bases like Fort Meade when large numbers of new workers are added (Carroll County Times/Associated Press, Feb. 8).
     "The report warned that realignment and other sources of military growth, including troops returning from two wars, are already causing 'severe' transportation problems at most of the six facilities studied," the press report said.
     Significant numbers of employees travel from or through Carroll County now to jobs at Fort Meade. Traffic on Routes 32, I95, 295, 175, 29 and others are clogged with commuters now, and the projection is that more than 40,000 jobs will be added on or near the base with the BR AC plan.
     Ever since the Federal Government announced the changes, local leaders have huddled to consider the unfavorable ramifications of that kind of growth. Roads will be the most obvious problem, with commuting times increased for those driving normal work hours.
     Not so readily apparent are the challenges to the schools, fire and emergency providers, policing, and parks and recreational facilities.
     But the big gorilla in the room is the unresolved differences of opinion at the state level that has existed for three administrations in Annapolis, two Democrat and one Republican: How do we comply with clean air and water regulations -- and where do we get the water to begin with -- while dealing with such a large and sudden arrival of new residents?  And who will pay for it?
     The counties, if they are short-sighted, just look at all those new customers for local business, and add up the increases in fees for residential building permits and other fees and taxes. More sober, experienced leaders are looking at the costs of expanding infrastructure, the possibility of having to raise taxes, which always hurts the poorer and older residents, and the lasting conundrum of how you add density to cities without improving or in some cases creating public transportation.
     You want the jobs that a big military base brings? Be careful what you ask for. You may not be able to afford it.