New Mass. task force to support military bases
BOSTON—The Patrick administration is ramping up efforts to fend off possible military base closures in Massachusetts.
Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray signed an executive order Monday creating a task force to come up with a plan to support military bases across the state.
Gov. Deval Patrick said Massachusetts' world-class education, research and engineering institutions are critical to keeping the military on the cutting edge of technology.
He said one goal of the task force will be to come up with a plan to discourage any cuts or base closures in Massachusetts.
The Defense Department has announced a plan to reduce federal defense spending by approximately $500 billion over the next decade.
The Pentagon has also requested that Congress authorize a Base Realignment and Closure Commission to recommend closure or consolidation of military bases.
