The Department of Defense’s recommendations for the 2005 Base Realingment & Closure process have good news for Kansas: All four of the state’s military bases should be retained.

The major military installations in Kansas include Forbes Field in Topeka, Fort Leavenworth in Leavenworth/ Lansing, Fort Riley in Junction City/Manhattan, and McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita.

“Today’s announcement indicates that Kansas will continue to enjoy a strong military presence,” Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said. “Kansans appreciate the contribution and sacrifices our military service members and their families make every day to protect our freedoms.”

Lt. Gov. John Moore emphasized the importance of the bases to Kansas’ economy, which he said contributed more than $2 billion annually. “The number of military personnel and military-related jobs in this state is about the same as the total from our eight largest employers,” Moore said.

Sebelius said that this was the beginning of the process, and the recommendations still must be considered by the BRAC Commission, President Bush and Congress. Final decisions on base closings may not be rendered until late October or early November.