FREEHOLD - Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian G. Burry will represent Monmouth County on the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority. The Board of Freeholders appointed her to the post, citing her experience with Naval Weapons Station Earle, Colts Neck, when it was targeted for closure.

"Serving on the Colts Neck Township Committee, Lillian Burry has worked with top naval attorneys and ultimately was able to secure Earle's position in Colts Neck," Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick said. "We believe she is most qualified to help in the development of a bright future for the Fort Monmouth community."

The federal government has determined that over the next few years the U.S. Army base at Fort Monmouth, Eatontown, will be closed.

"I am deeply grateful for the faith my fellow freeholders have in me," Burry said. "I feel very strongly that the best years are ahead for our residents who work at Fort Monmouth now and for the businesses that currently serve them. The county has a vast array of resources to lend toward this committee and I am pleased that Monmouth County has a seat at the table."

The bill authorizing the creation of the authority, sponsored by state Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos (R-Monmouth), has been approved by the Senate and Assembly and awaits Gov. Jon Corzine's signature. The authority's mission is to develop a comprehensive revitalization plan for Fort Monmouth after its closure by the federal government in the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

Under the bill, the authority will have 10 members. Four will be appointed by the governor, two of whom must be Monmouth County residents; three will be the mayors of Eatontown, Tinton Falls and Oceanport; one will be a representative of Fort Monmouth; one will be from the state Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission, and Burry.

In addition to the 10 members, the authority is expected to appoint advisory committees to assist in its activities. The authority will prepare an economic revitalization study of all issues related to the closure and future of Fort Monmouth, and review all options relative to the most appropriate use of the facility, and an analysis of possible revenue sources to support revitalization and reuse projects, according to a press release from the Monmouth County public information office.

"The closure and revitalization of Fort Monmouth is a matter of great concern to the communities of Eatontown, Tinton Falls and Oceanport - as well as to the rest of Monmouth County," Burry said. "The economies, environment and quality of life, especially in those communities, depend on the efficient and proper revitalization of Fort Monmouth."