Executive Correspondence – Letter dtd 07/19/2005 to Commissioner Hansen from Rob Simmons (Rep 2nd CT) Page: 3 of 3
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The Honorable Anthony J. Principi
August 12, 2005
Page 2
* The relocation and new facilities costs seriously exceeded original estimates. We estimate
the current, physical relocation cost to be in excess of $50 million.
More important than the high relocation dollar costs, moving the Lab will result in an
extreme and significant loss of intellectual capital, including a loss of technical and engineering
expertise that would cripple the Lab's current and mid term military value. An informal survey
indicates that eighty percent of the Lab's employees would not relocate.
Therefore, as I continue to pursue a reversal of the DoD recommendation, I am even more
convinced that it is in the best interests of DoD, the State of Arizona and our local communities to
retain the Lab at its current location so that its function can continue unabated, its manpower and
intellectual capital can be preserved, and significant relocation costs can be avoided.
However, we understand that an objective of the BRAC process is to reduce property
holdings. Consequently, I reiterate my offer to the Commission to facilitate discussions between
the Air Force and Arizona State University. Your recommendation to privatize the lab in place
would enable this dialogue. I remain confident that we can craft a business plan between the two
entities that satisfies DoD needs and precludes the degradation of the critical training and research
work conducted at the Lab with their partners. I firmly believe that the demonstrated ability of the
lab to translate research activity into mature training programs and equipment promises even greater
military value in the future. The scientific and operational leverage opportunities such as Lab
expertise in software development, night vision devices and human engineering coupled with
ASU's contract with the US Army for the Flex Panel Display is but one example of the future
potential of a US Air Force Lab/ASU merger.
The State of Arizona has been, is, and will continue to set a high standard of support for the
military facilities in our State, and the men and women and their families who work at those
installations. Arizonans are proud of our long and demonstrable history of providing DoD with
unparalleled resources and an unwavering commitment to its missions and operations, and are eager
to maintain that commitment through retention of the Lab at its current location.
Thank you for the continued opportunity to work with you on our request.
Yours very truly,
get Napolitano
Governor
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Executive Correspondence – Letter dtd 07/19/2005 to Commissioner Hansen from Rob Simmons (Rep 2nd CT), letter, July 25, 2005; (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc18567/m1/3/: accessed March 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.