Bowie County, Texas recently passed by unanimous vote a resolution urging Congress and the U.S. Department of Defense to protect and support the Red River Army Depot (RRAD), a cornerstone of both national defense and the regional economy. The move comes in response to federal discussions on potential significant workload reductions which could threaten the depot’s continued operations.
Red River Army Depot, located in Bowie County, serves a vital role in maintaining, repairing, and overhauling tactical military vehicles and equipment for the U.S. Army, other branches of the military, and foreign military partners. Unlike many federal installations, RRAD is financially selfsustaining, operating without annual appropriations from congress, generating revenue through its services.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, RRAD generates an estimated $1.6 billion annual economic impact across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Loss or reduction of RRAD’s operations would not only weaken military readiness but also have a devastating impact on thousands of employees, families, and businesses who rely on its continued success throughout the Four States Region.
The cities of Texarkana, Texas, Wake Village, Nash, and New Boston, Texas have already or are currently considering the adoption of similar resolutions to reinforce the importance of RRAD to the area.
The resolution passed by Bowie County urges congressional delegations from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma to advocate for policies that protect RRAD’s mission and workforce. It also encourages the Department of Defense to recognize RRAD’s unique, cost-effective operational model as a model of military efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
For more information, contact Bobby Howell, County Judge, Bowie County, Texas at 903-6286718.
