Gyeonggi Province to Hold Public Hearing on Amendment to US Military Base Development Plan on July 2

Application for Amendments to 55 Projects in 10 Cities and Counties Including Uijeongbu
Discussion on Projects Worth a Total of 14.5661 Trillion Won
Final Approval to Be Requested from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety After Collecting Residents' Opinions

Gyeonggi Province announced on June 22 that it will hold a public hearing on the "Amendment (Draft) to the Comprehensive Development Plan for Areas Surrounding Former US Military Bases in Korea" at the Peace Nuri Hall of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Northern Office on July 2.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

This public hearing is part of the process to more effectively revise and supplement the comprehensive development plan by reflecting changes in development conditions and policy demands for returned base areas and their surroundings. Local residents, experts, and municipal officials are expected to attend and present a range of opinions.

Gyeonggi Province conducted a survey on the need for amendments to the comprehensive development plan targeting returned US military base sites and surrounding areas in 164 towns, townships, and neighborhoods across 21 cities and counties within the province. As a result, amendment applications were received for a total of 55 projects (with a total project cost of approximately 14.5661 trillion won) from 10 cities and counties, including Uijeongbu.

The proposed amendment includes 12 development projects for returned US military base sites such as Camp Red Cloud in Uijeongbu and Camp Kuni Air Ranger in Hwaseong, as well as 43 support projects for surrounding areas, including the revitalization of the original downtown area in Dongducheon and the creation of the Hantan River Integrated Tourism Complex in Pocheon.

Gyeonggi Province plans to carefully review the opinions collected from residents and experts during this public hearing and reflect them in the amendment (draft) to the comprehensive development plan, after which it will apply to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety for final approval of the changes.

Lee Gyesam, Director of the Balanced Development Planning Office of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "We will listen closely to the voices of local residents and experts to ensure that projects with real benefits and high feasibility for residents are included. We will make efforts to contribute to balanced development in areas that have lagged behind due to the presence of US military bases and in regions that have made sacrifices for national security, as well as to the improvement of residents' welfare."