(ODON) – Representatives from Naval Support Activity Crane and its neighboring communities signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Friday to formalize a commitment to open lines of communication and increase collaboration.
The Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Naval Support Activity Crane, the White River Military Coordination Alliance signed the MOA along with the five counties neighboring Crane of which includes; Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, and Sullivan. Two incorporated towns within three miles of the installation; the Town of Crane and the City of Sullivan also signed the MOA. The MOA will help ensure community growth that is compatible with and supports the military missions of NSA Crane.
“The Alliance and this memorandum are large steps in preserving not only the military’s mission but also helping to foster compatible growth in the surrounding community,” said Timothy J. Powers, Commander, NSA Crane. ” Much of our workforce is from and lives in the areas represented by the Alliance, and they, too benefit from our efforts in making Indiana a better place to live as well as work.”
The agreement details necessary communication between NSA Crane, the Alliance and Alliance membership communities, including increased military impact notifications. NSA Crane agreed to give notice of known increased impacts to established points of contact in each community, and the Alliance will post a notice to its website and social media.
The Alliance will also create and host a community event calendar on its website where points of contact from NSA Crane and neighboring communities can submit public events and other opportunities for building Crane-community relationships.
Key commitments formalized in the MOA include:
- Crane and the community agree to discuss any land use application and monitor land changes.
- Crane agrees to give notice of known increased military impacts associated with activities at Crane.
- The Alliance agrees to maintain a public calendar that provides opportunities for collaboration between Crane and the community and to provide information about land conservation incentives and easement acquisition opportunities on its website.
- Local governments agree to provide notice to and consider input from Crane regarding the construction of capital improvement projects located near the installation and to notify Crane of potential incompatible development proposed near the installation.
“Back in 2018, during the JLU there were several recommendations from the Department of Defense to learn what communities could do to learn more about Crane, and what Crane could do to learn about the communities surrounding Crane, ” said Gene McCracken President of the White River Military Coordination Alliance.
“There are five counties that surround Crane, and several cities as well. The White River Military Coordination Alliance is set up to bring collaboration, communication, and cooperation between the communities and Crane itself,” McCracken added.
“So, we have formed this group, we have several members and we are moving forward. In our Memorandum of Understanding, we have signed today was the culmination of writing it and getting it approved by the Army likewise the counties and cities as well,” McCracken continued.
The goals collaboration, communication, and cooperation between communities:
Communication – We will keep Crane informed on what is going on in our communities and Crane will keep us informed on what is going on base. We will then inform the community. So, we can inform the public about what is going on.
Collaboration – NSA Crane will help us with events, and in return, we will help them with events that occur on the base.
“This is an incredible, historic day, not only for the Navy but for the community. We have signed a Memorandum of Agreement that affirms our commitment to one another. We are looking at opportunities to bring us together. What is good for the Navy is also good for the community and vice versa,” said Rear Admiral Charles W. Rock Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.
“The opportunities could mean jobs, educational opportunities, attracting greater economic development for both the Navy and local communities. In the end… I sum up all goodness,” Adm. Rock concluded.
“The Alliance and this memorandum are large steps in preserving not only the military’s mission but also helping to foster compatible growth in the surrounding community,” said Timothy J. Powers, Commander, NSA Crane. ” Much of our workforce is from and lives in the areas represented by the Alliance, and they, too benefit from our efforts in making Indiana a better place to live as well as work.”
The agreement details necessary communication between NSA Crane, the Alliance and Alliance membership communities, including increased military impact notifications. NSA Crane agreed to give notice of known increased impacts to established points of contact in each community, and the Alliance will post a notice to its website and social media.
The Alliance will also create and host a community event calendar on its website where points of contact from NSA Crane and neighboring communities can submit public events and other opportunities for building Crane-community relationships.
Key commitments formalized in the MOA include:
- Crane and the community agree to discuss any land use application and monitor land changes.
- Crane agrees to give notice of known increased military impacts associated with activities at Crane.
- The Alliance agrees to maintain a public calendar that provides opportunities for collaboration between Crane and the community and to provide information about land conservation incentives and easement acquisition opportunities on its website.
- Local governments agree to provide notice to and consider input from Crane regarding the construction of capital improvement projects located near the installation and to notify Crane of potential incompatible development proposed near the installation.
The signing followed the first-ever State of the Community briefing given by Gene McCracken, chair of the Alliance, during the Alliance first quarter meeting. McCracken addressed opportunities for Crane to increase its presence in neighboring communities and opportunities to share knowledge and resources.
“Today, marks a historic milestone for the Alliance, for NSA Crane, and for our local communities,” said McCracken. ” We hope these efforts provide a clearer picture of how Crane can take a more active role in strategic planning, development opportunities, and community events, and how our communities can collaborate more closely with Crane to identify opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity,” McCracken concluded.
