    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [November 15, 1997]
    [Pages 1577-1578]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Arrival in Sacramento, California
    November 15, 1997

        Good morning. Two years ago, I approved a BRAC recommendation to
    close McClellan Air Force Base, but only after I was convinced it was
    feasible for McClellan to privatize and that the prospects of success
    were strong. Since then, I've had to fight at every turn with the
    Members of Congress who have resisted our efforts to give the Department
    of Defense the tools it needs to privatize more of its operations more
    easily.
        This year, the so-called Depot Caucus tried to block the ongoing
    competition for the Kelly and McClellan workload altogether. I said if
    they did that, I would veto the entire defense bill. Eventually Congress
    reached a compromise to allow the competitions for this important work
    to go forward. The Secretary of Defense has assured me that although the
    language in the bill is not ideal, I quote, ``the Department of Defense
    has flexibility to proceed with the remaining public-private
    competitions at Kelly and McClellan bases in a way that is fair to both
    sides.'' For this reason, I have decided to sign the defense bill.
        We will continue to do everything we can to help McClellan make the
    transition. The Vice President and I have met with business and
    community officials. We have listened to your

    [[Page 1578]]

    concerns. Today I am pleased to announce seven steps we are taking.
        First, by December 31st, the Air Force will transfer McClellan to
    Sacramento County at a significantly discounted price to encourage rapid
    economic development and job creation.
        Second, the Coast Guard will remain at McClellan through at least
    2004, contributing $2 million a year to support private airfield
    operations.
        Third, the Defense Department will retain liability for the eventual
    shutdown of McClellan's nuclear reactor, making it possible to support
    scientific and commercial research here for the next 30 years.
        Fourth, the Department recently announced that it will provide an
    additional $7.2 million to retrain 1,700 civilian workers who face
    layoffs over the next 2 years.
        Fifth, our EPA Administrator, Carol Browner, will visit McClellan
    early next month to discuss with community leaders a schedule for
    environmental cleanup to promote redevelopment and job creation.
        Sixth, the Defense Department will provide an additional $11.3
    million to complete funding of the casting emission reduction program at
    McClellan to develop environmentally friendly technology for
    manufacturing.
        Finally, we will give high priority to capital improvements at
    McClellan to promote economic development and job creation.
        Today we're also announcing a series of actions we're taking to help
    San Antonio redevelop the Kelly Air Force Base.
        This is the third base conversion challenge this community has taken
    on. You've done a tremendous job. Your efforts are a model for the
    Nation. And I will continue to work with McClellan to make this third
    story a very successful one for this remarkable community.
        Thank you very much. And I'm sorry for the weather inconvenience.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:20 a.m. at McClellan Air Force Base. In
    his remarks, he referred to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission
    (BRAC).