Some federal lawmakers from Kentucky are urging the Army to choose Fort Knox for a new leadership headquarters.
The Hardin County post is one of three finalists for the Army’s fourth corps headquarters, which is a three-star level command that oversees deployment of divisions and brigades throughout the world.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, and Congressman Brett Guthrie sent a letter this week to Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. The letter lists Fort Knox’s assets such as housing, education, and medical services both on post, and in nearby Louisville.
"The reason I think Fort Knox is such a strong candidate is based on the capability and capacity that is at Fort Knox now, that doesn’t need to be built," said Retired Brigadier General Jim Iacocca, President and CEO of Knox Regional Development Alliance. "Fort Knox is the only installation in the Department of Defense that is energy resilient. That, plus the central location and the strong transportation modes around here."
The new headquarters would bring more than 600 soldiers to Kentucky. The troops would support U.S. forces and operations in Europe. The Army plans to announce a location soon and open the new headquarters in October.
Fort Drum in New York and Fort Benning in Georgia are the other posts being considered.
