WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Utah's Congressional delegation, state officials, and many of its residents, including Davis County leaders, take the value of Hill Air Force Base very seriously. Its closure, or even realignment, could mean the loss of many thousands of jobs. A report commissioned by the Utah Defense Alliance (UDA) last year indicated, among other data, that such a move could put Utah, and certainly this area, into a recession for at least several years. That's why such groups as the UDA, which includes membership by Layton Mayor Jerry Stevenson and Clearfield Mayor Tom Waggoner, among others, has been working hard for the past two years -- all in an effort to promote the base, and its workforce efficiencies and facilities.

It lobbied for up to $15 million from the State Legislature, this last session. That money would be used for further promotion of the benefits of keeping the base, and other military installations open -- or of transferring other missions to the state.

The Legislature ended up appropriating $5 million toward the effort. Previous sessions have seen similar, though smaller, allocations.

Other states are working just as hard, and in some cases -- especially in larger population states and where there are more installations -- appropriated a lot more than Utah.

A daily Google Alert for Base Realignment & Closure Commission is bringing up numerous entries of late. The concerns from those local areas mirror what thoughts are in Davis County.

However, a lot of knowledge and talent have been brought together to assist with the "fight." For instance, in Rep. Rob Bishop's office, Steve Petersen's primary function is to work with military-related issues, including BRAC affairs.

Peter Jenks, Bishop's Utah chief of staff, and Petersen are holdovers from former Utah Rep. Jim Hansen's office.

"They (Jenks and Petersen) are tasked solely with that. That's their number one responsibility.

"They've lived through the past BRAC rounds, know the drill. Everything is done in an effort to try and coordinate, back in Washington, so we're all working together," Bishop said.

"Steve started out as a military adviser with Hansen, came around full circle. He has a great deal of expertise, kind've helped organize all the staff delegation, to keep close contact with UDA.

"It's extremely important to me, we've dedicated as much time and effort as we possibly can," Bishop said of issues regarding HAFB's future.

"I don't even know how to think about it," Bishop said.

"By nature, I expect the worst, so I'm not disappointed. The worse could be so devastating for Utah. I don't know how I'm supposed to look at this. It's going to be a very anxious time, maybe some sleepless nights before this announcement takes place.

"It just starts the next phase, which will determine if it's a pleasant or frantic battle before the rest of the year," Bishop said.

Final decisions on BRAC are due by this fall, following review by the President and Congress.

The last closures brought a bigger workload to HAFB, as bases in California and Texas were axed.

busselberg@davisclipper.com