In 2005, the BRAC Commission designated Willow Grove forclosure. The proposal for a joint interagency base, as GlobeSt.compreviously reported, was developed by Gov. Ed Rendell andPennsylvania Congressional representatives and approved by AirForce Secretary Michael Wynne.

Under the proposal, during the lease-term, the state would workto attract governmental users, such as the Department of HomelandSecurity, the Federal Emergency Management Association, and theEnvironmental Protection Agency. Once that was accomplished, theAir Force would transfer base ownership to the state.

The Navy, however, notified the governor that it has rejectedthe Air Force's request for a military to military transfer of theproperty. Gen. Jessica Wright, adjutant general of the PennsylvaniaNational Guard, tells GlobeSt.com, "Under BRAC Commission law, thecommonwealth could not get Willow Grove, but mil-to-mil transfersare possible under BRAC law. We are extremely disappointed that theNavy has turned down this proposal."