7 months ago
HINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) -- A Georgia congressman says he's won approval for $75 million in economic aid to Hinesville and Liberty County after the Army backed out of plans to station about 4,000 new troops at neighboring Fort Stewart. Rep. Jack Kingston said Friday that a house committee agreed to put the money into the defense bill now before Congress. The funds are intended to help the southeast Georgia community lure other economic development projects. Last month, the Army announced it was scrapping plans to add a fifth combat brigade at Fort Stewart in fiscal year 2011. Local officials were furious after working to make room for the extra soldiers since late 2007. Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas said $450 million had already been spent to build new schools, homes and to expand water services. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
