The BRAC Commission has voted 8-1 to remove Ellsworth Air Force Base from the base closure list.

The South Dakota delegation aggressively lobbied the independent commission, making the argument that the Pentagon's savings estimates were too high. The commission agreed with the delegation's argument Friday, saying it could actually cost money to close the base.

Historically and statistically, Ellsworth Air Force Base had just a 15% chance of surviving the Department of Defense recommendation that it be closed.

This decision isn't necessarily final. The list of recommended closures will go to President Bush, no later than September 8th, a little less than two weeks from now.

The President has another couple of weeks to accept or reject the list. That must be done by September 23. At that point, President Bush has two chances to reject the list. If he does that, the list goes back to the commission with recommended changes.

The commission doesn't have to make those changes, but they do have to get the list back to the President by October 20. He has until November 7 to again, approve or reject.

On April 15, the BRAC commission will dissolve. By 2011, all bases on the closure list must be closed.

KELOLAND.com and KELOLAND TV will have complete continuing coverage of the BRAC decision on Ellsworth.

Jeremy Moser
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