LAYTON, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Utah’s largest single-site employer will face huge job cuts next year. More than 700 people at Hill Air Force Base will get their pink slips. The announcement was made Friday.
Air Force Tech Sgt. Jeff Kane was out Saturday night at Starbucks in Layton and talking about the job cuts. Kane says,” I haven't heard anything around where I work.”
But, others have heard the news. It's all part of the proposed force structure realignment plan for fiscal 2010. That plan will see Hill getting its wings clipped. Hill stands to lose 737 military jobs with the 388th Fighter Wing dropping 617 positions because of the reduction of F-16's around the country.
A Layton City Councilman claims the cuts could hurt the area. Michael Bouwhuis says,” Hill Field is probably the greatest asset in the state of Utah. And to have some of the civilian positions diminished, and eliminated as well, is not good news for northern Utah.”
Across the street from Hill's north gate at Sue's Ceramics, they’re already talking about how the area might not absorb the brunt of the proposed cuts. Louri Carlson says,” Even though it seems like such a small amount compared to 20,000 on the military base, it'll still have a large impact.”
But, back at the coffee house, Jeff Kane says Hill will survive. Kane says,” I know it's a big deal with 700 jobs, but I also know of many other jobs that are being created at the same time. I don't think the impact will be as difficult in the surrounding area.”
The Department of Defense estimates the restructuring will save more than 3 billion dollars over the next five years.
