A controversial decision – closing Fort Leonard Wood’s South Gate overnight – was overturned Monday by the military base after it sparked an uproar in northwest Texas County. The move generated widespread opposition from residents and elected officials in the region.
Maj. Gen. William H. McCoy, the fort’s commander, said the post was able to reallocate resources, adjust priorities and change schedules to continue access at the South Gate, which had been set to close from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. effective Feb. 19. Citing a traffic study and the need to cut costs, the decision was made to reduce the hours of the South Gate, which provides a link from northwest Texas County to the Pulaski County installation. At a public meeting last month, Col. John Megnia, the fort’s garrison commander, said the decision was the best that could be developed considering the magnitude of the reductions. It was at the gathering that a standing-room-only crowd expressed outrage at the decision.
“There may be delays in some access control services at certain times, but the gate hours will not change,” said McCoy of the Monday announcement.
The north, west and south gates will remain open 24 hours a day and the east gate will be open 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Lois Snyder, a northwest Texas County resident active in the campaign to keep the South Gate open, said she was happy with the decision and pleased with the level of cooperation received from community leaders and government officials.
“It’s good news,” she said. Snyder and those opposed to the reduced hours said they were fearful of the major inconvenience it would cause, the harm to the area’s economy and its affect on access to healthcare.
U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, also was pleased with the news. “I’m very glad the gate will remain open, and I commend the concerned citizens, base personnel and local officials for working together to resolve this situation,” she said Monday night. “I know restricted nighttime access at the South Gate posed a serious concern, but I also understand the financial element the U.S. Army must consider in structuring base operations.”
Emerson said she would continue to be an advocate in Congress for Fort Leonard Wood. “I remain proud that the fort is such an integral part of our way of life in southern Missouri,” she said.