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In Hardin County Region, Fingers are Crossed that Cuts to Ft. Knox Will Be Scrapped

Ft. Knox

Hardin County area business and political leaders are in the final stages of an effort to stave off proposed cuts at the Fort Knox military post.

The Army has said Ft. Knox could lose up to 4,100 soldier and civilian jobs if maximum cuts are implemented in 2016. That would be on top of the 3,500 positions already eliminated with the inactivation of the Third Brigade Infantry Combat Team, which is winding down operations by the close of this year.

Under the worst-case scenario facing the post, $500 million in payroll would be lost if the latest cuts become a reality.

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce has helped lead a letter-writing campaign against the cuts, and the News-Enterprise reports the effort has so far attracted more than 10,000 signatures as of Monday.

During a July interview with WKU Public Radio, Chamber President Brad Richardson said the state has made a tremendous commitment to strengthening Ft. Knox following the 2005 base realignment and closure process, including $251 million in new schools, roads, and other infrastructure around the post.  

Richardson says the Army should view Ft. Knox as a growth installation, as opposed to contracting it.

The award-winning news team at WKU Public Radio consists of Dan Modlin, Kevin Willis, Lisa Autry, and Joe Corcoran.
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