Federal workers will aid economy

Albert W. Highsmith Albemarle County
Published: April 22, 2008

I find myself in sharp disagreement with the writer of the letter “Federal facility no benefit to area,” which appeared in The Daily Progress on April 14, and in full agreement with The Daily Progress editorial that characterized the move of at least 1,000 jobs to the area by the Department of Defense as a “Christmas present.”

The Intelligence Analysis Facility is not a smokestack industry.

It will not pollute our air, water or land or deplete our resources.

The prediction in the letter that some of those transferred here “might well opt to commute from NoVa” is unrealistic, certainly in the face of today’s gasoline prices.
They will move to this area and buy or rent housing, giving a much needed boost to the economy of the area.
The very issue of the paper that carried the letter also reported on the slow real estate market in the area.
A thousand persons seeking housing in the area can be a welcome boost in that market.

After they buy homes, they will further contribute to the local economy by paying real estate taxes.

But that is not the only contribution these newcomers will make to our economy.

They will shop here for everything from food to cars, dine here and participate in community activities.

I think that this transfer to our area is a gift that will keep on giving to benefit all of us who live here.

I say welcome!