What's in store for Fort Monroe?

There's no shortage of opinions about what might happen to Fort Monroe since the announcement it would be closing by 2011.

There has, however, been steady but quiet progress by the United States Army to develop a federally mandated programmatic agreement governing the preservation and future use of historic properties.

To meet that goal, the Army is currently in consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the State Historic Preservation Officer, several Federally-recognized Indian tribes and other consulting and interested parties to determine what actions can be taken regarding Fort Monroe’s historic properties. There are currently 32 consulting parties involved.

[It's important to note that that while the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority has been present during the development of the draft programmatic agreement, this required process is distinct from the authority's activities, and the Army is not responsible for producing redevelopment plans for the future use of Fort Monroe.]

A draft of the agreement - and opportunities for the public to comment on it - was presented in Hampton on October 30, in Norfolk November 8, in Richmond November 15 and Washington November 29.

Following the meetings, comments will be made available to the various consulting parties at their next meeting in early 2008.

Click here to visit the Army's website for more information on this important process.