[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 140 (Friday, September 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             LOWRY AIR FORCE BASE: CURTAIN DOWN, CURTAIN UP

                                 ______


                        HON. PATRICIA SCHROEDER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 1994

  Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, today is an historic day in Denver, CO, 
one that I wish to reflect upon for a moment.
  Lowry Air Force Base, first opened in the 1930's, closes today. A 
victim of the 1991 base closure cycle, Lowry's technical training 
missions have already relocated to other bases. But today is the day 
when the flag comes down for the last time.
  Today is a day to reflect on the contribution Lowry has made to our 
national security. Training is always of highest military priority and 
Lowry shined in its ability to produce ready and reliable munitions 
loaders, mechanics, photographers, and a host of other specialties. I 
wish to extend a national thank you for that service.
  Today is also a day to encourage and commend the redevelopment effort 
underway to turn Lowry into a residential, commercial, and recreational 
asset for the community. Two cities overcame past differences to 
organize a neighborhood-based planning and now implementation authority 
to fill up the vacated base.
  There's great success already. A community college is moving into 
classroom and dormitory space. The President's new National Community 
Conservation Corps has set up a regional campus there. The Air Force 
museum has become a civilian-run Wings Over The Rockies Museum, the 
Defense Finance and Accounting center maintains a large presence and 
has space to grow. And the delicate and contentious issue of providing 
available housing to the homeless has been settled.
  I met today with Air Force Assistant Secretary Rodney Coleman to 
review the redevelopment's progress. He said that Lowry has been one of 
the Air Force's success stories because of the community's ability to 
move forward. He pledged continued support and assistance to keep that 
momentum up. I'll hold him to that.
  I, too, pledge my continued assistance to this effort. When Lowry's 
fate was first sealed, I quickly convened a local forum to plan the 
way. I scouted for Federal opportunities, resources, and obstacles. I 
troubleshot when potential conflicts with the Air Force arose and I 
carefully listened to the concerns of the neighbors and blended them 
into the redevelopment planning mix.
  Mr. Speaker, the conversion of closed military bases is not an easy 
trick but with the right resources, talent, and attitude, it can be 
done. Lowry Air Force Base is living proof.

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