Three Florida Navy installations received in excess of $4 million in funding to support future buffering projects.
The Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration monies were allocated to Naval Air Station Jacksonville ($2.4 million), NAS Whiting Field ($1.5 million) and NAS Pensacola ($179,000). Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration funding is used exclusively to help protect military installations from incompatible development around the base.
“The protection these funds provide to the base missions are essential toward ensuring the long-term viability of the installations,” Admiral Gary Mayes, Commander, Navy Region Southeast said. “Programs like REPI offer great opportunities for the commands, the community and the property owners around the bases.”
Utilization of Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration funds requires cooperation with other agencies, specifically, the state of Florida, governmental offices, or non-profit organizations who provide matching funds. The funds are then used for the purchase of restrictive use easements that ensure mission-compatible land-use on properties around and adjacent to our installations.
Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration funds buy restrictive-use easements as a less expensive way to protect our military missions. Landowners participate in the program because it provides immediate income, and allows the traditional use of the property. Farmers can still farm. Orchard owners can still harvest their trees. Residents can still live in their homes.
Navy Region Southeast has protected more than 25,000 acres of land around installations in five states using approximately $113 million in REPI funds.
“Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration is a key tool for limiting encroachment that can hinder our training, testing and operational readiness,” Mayes said. “It helps tremendously in avoiding land-use conflicts near our installations and is a national defense and region priority.”