MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- Air Force representatives recently delivered the final deeds for property at the former March Air Force Base to the March Joint Powers Commission (March JPC). March JPC governs the March Joint Powers Authority (March JPA), which oversees civilian reuse of surplus military land at March. The military still occupies 2,091 acres retained for the March Air Reserve Base.

"Today marks a significant achievement at March. The sky's truly the limit for both the military and the community. The community still has a robust military mission, but now it also has a diversified economic engine. What was simply a military base a decade ago is now so much more. And today, with the final deed transfer, all of the control of the surplus property is in the hands of the community," said Rick Solander, Air Force Real Property Agency, environmental manager.

The March JPC plans to approve the final deeds for 224 acres on East March and recognize the significance of achieving "whole base" transfer. Three separate deeds account for the last part of the total 4,531 acres declared surplus under BRAC in 1996. Another 94 acres is being transferred to the City of Moreno Valley, through the National Parks Service, as a public benefit transfer.

Portions of this property were authorized for "early transfer" by the U.S. EPA, and concurrence by the Governor is expected. The early transfer process is needed because remaining environmental activities are not completely in place. The remaining activities include additional groundwater investigation and possible expansion of the groundwater remedy. The Air Force remains legally and financially responsible for this work even though they have transferred the property to the community.

Recipients and Acres of Remaining Land Include:
· March Joint Powers Authority - 224 acres, to be used for commercial development. 164 acres are located in the southern part of the airfield, now occupied by the DHL distribution center.
· The property includes three separate parcels and 33 facilities, including the former commissary.
· National Park Service - 94 acres, now used by Moreno Valley for a skate park and sports fields.

BACKGROUND:

In 1996, March Air Force Base was realigned by the Base Closure Commission. At that time, the Air Force Real Property Agency (AFRPA) stepped in to complete environmental cleanup and transfer the property. Since closure, AFRPA has worked closely with regulatory agencies and the people of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris and Riverside County to achieve complete property transfer.

The Air Force began environmental cleanup at March in 1983. Since then, the Air Force, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board signed three environmental cleanup Records of Decision. These agreements address soil and groundwater sites and describe selected cleanup remedies. All cleanup decisions are protective of human health and the environment.

March Air Reserve Base operates the groundwater extraction and treatment system. Currently, there is no threat to human health or the environment.

Current reuse and redevelopment of former March has brought jobs, housing and recreational opportunities back into the community.

Examples of Reuse and Redevelopment Include:

· March Air Reserve Base - one of the largest military reserve bases in the country, hosting Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army and National Guard contingents.
· U.S. Customs
· Moreno Valley Parks and Recreation Department
· Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center
· March Field Museum
· Green Acres Estates -52 acres, previously deeded to the March JPA

The Air Force joined March JPA at their September 19 Commission meeting.