March 19, 2015

Dear Members of the New York State Congressional Delegation,

On behalf the New York State Senate Majority, we are writing to express our deep concerns
about the Armys potential troop reduction plan and its impact on the 10th Mountain Division at
Fort Drum. Personnel cuts would be especially detrimental to the nations security and New Yorks
economic well-being.
New York is proud to be home to the 17,269 soldiers and 3,799 civilian employees that are the
heart and soul of the 10th Mountain Division. Its the largest defense installation north of North Carolina
and east of the Mississippi River. Fort Drum is also the states largest single-site employer and it
supports tens of thousands of jobs off base. According to Fort Drums 2014 Fiscal Impact Statement,
the base continues to have a positive economic impact on Northern New Yorks economy. Since fiscal
year 1988, this Army installation has infused more than $21 billion into the local economy.
The Army is proposing a possible force reduction of up to 70,000 soldiers nationwide and has
targeted 10 of the largest bases for cuts, including Fort Drum. Each of these large bases could see
reductions of up to 16,000 soldiers and civilians if sequestration budget cuts are triggered by Congress.
If these cuts are approved, it would reduce Americas fighting forces to pre-World War II levels
and, at Fort Drum, it could mean a personnel reduction of as much as 95 percent. Most of the soldiers
and staff would leave the region, where they currently contribute $1.3 billion to the Upstate economy.

We simply cannot let this happen.

10th Mountain Division soldiers from Fort Drum were the first to deploy in the global war on
terror, and now its time to fight for our troops who are dedicating their lives and sacrificing so much
to protect us.

 This week, Army officials will arrive in Jefferson County to listen to the publics concerns. We in the
Senate are extremely supportive of Fort Drums mission and are thankful for their positive contributions
to North Country communities. We are committed to ensuring that the post continues to succeed, and we
hope you are as well.
New Yorks economy is growing stronger each day, but significant troop reductions at Fort Drum
would be a devastating blow to Jefferson County and the rest of the state. As the federal budget
negotiations continue, please keep the dedicated men and women of Fort Drum -- and the communities
that rely on them -- a top priority.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

Dean G. Skelos
Temporary President
Senate Majority Leader

Patricia Ritchie
New York State Senator -- 48th District

George A. Amedore, Jr.

New York State Senator 46th District

John A. DeFrancisco
New York State Senator 50th District

John J. Bonacic
New York State Senator 42nd District

Hugh T. Farley
New York State Senator 49th District

Philip M. Boyle
New York State Senator 4th District

Simcha Felder
New York State Senator 17th District

Thomas Croci
New York State Senator 3rd District

John J. Flanagan
New York State Senator 2nd District

Rich Funke
New York State Senator 55th District

Thomas Libous
New York State Senator 52nd District

Patrick M. Gallivan
New York State Senator 59th District

Elizabeth Little
New York State Senator 45th District

Martin J. Golden
New York State Senator 22nd District

Carl L. Marcellino
New York State Senator 5th District

Joseph A. Griffo
New York State Senator 47th District

Kathleen A. Marchione
New York State Senator 43rd District

Kemp Hannon
New York State Senator 6th District

Jack M. Martins
New York State Senator 7th District

Andrew J. Lanza
New York State Senator 24th District

Terrence P. Murphy
New York State Senator 40th District

William J. Larkin. Jr.

New York State Senator 39th District

Michael F. Nozzolio
New York State Senator 54th District

Kenneth P. LaValle
New York State Senator 1st District

Tom F. OMara
New York State Senator 58th District

Robert Ortt
New York State Senator 62nd District

Michael H. Ranzenhofer
New York State Senator 61st District

Joseph E. Robach
New York State Senator 56th District

Susan Serino
New York State Senator 41st District

James L. Seward
New York State Senator 51st District

Michael Venditto
New York State Senator 8th District

Catharine Young
New York State Senator 57th District