Simon Working to Protect Scott Air Force Base

Although the future of Scott Air Force Base in Illinois won't be in question for two more years, state and local officials are preparing a plan to keep the facility open.
 
Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon was at Southwestern Illinois College on Friday to meet with area governmental leaders, residents and base representatives to discuss quality-of-life issues. The resulting information on the quality of local schools and the business climate will be compiled in a report on Metro East's strengths and weaknesses.
 
The Belleville News-Democrat reports Simon indicated similar meetings will be held for communities near Great Lakes Naval Training Station north of Chicago and the Rock Island Arsenal. She says a combined report will be written to help formulate a strategy to protect Illinois' three major military bases.