Despite the faltering economy, Turner says his $1.4 billion project is on schedule and the first phase of construction should begin in 2010.
Richard Clinch, director of economic development at the University of Baltimore's Jacob France Institute, called the state's program a "well-timed ... good idea," but he questioned whether the relatively small "amount of money is enough to move anything" in a recessionary economy that has frozen much commercial development.
Clinch, who has consulted for both the Westport project and the state's economic development agency, said he thought Baltimore would attract some military workers relocating from downsized installations in New Jersey and Virginia, but probably not as many as city officials hope for.
Turner, however, expressed hope that some defense contractors would set up shop in Westport and encourage their workers to live there as well, because doing so would afford the companies preferential treatment in the awarding of federal contracts.
Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold stressed the need yesterday for bigger infusions of cash from the federal government to help local jurisdictions prepare for the influx of military jobs.
The Anne Arundel BRAC zone is a 777-acre plot near the MARC station in Odenton that also encompasses a town center mixed-use project that has languished for years. County officials say revitalization of the project into a vibrant housing, retail and office project is critical to the region's ability to absorb 22,000 employees and their families potentially headed to the nearby Fort Meade area.
In order to qualify, the BRAC zones need to be in a Priority Funding Area under the state's smart growth plan and be designated for mixed-use development, including a residential component.
Laurel officials said they intend to use the money to fund infrastructure improvements in a 293-acre zone that includes Laurel Commons, a $200 million mixed-use redevelopment of the city's mall.
Noticeably absent from yesterday's list is Harford County, home to Aberdeen Proving Ground and by far the largest projected beneficiary of new jobs. By absorbing existing military programs in New Jersey, Virginia and Kentucky, Aberdeen will gain more than 10,000 direct jobs, according to a state analysis.
By contrast, Frederick and Prince George's counties, which did apply for and get BRAC zones, are expected to account for a relatively small portion of the job and population growth from base realignment.
