Pyeongtaek City Welcomes Defense Committee Passage of 4-Year Extension of 'Pyeongtaek Support Special Act'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park Chan-hyeok] Pyeongtaek City expressed welcome on the 24th regarding the passage of an amended bill to extend the validity period (currently expiring December 31, 2026) of the "Special Act on Support for Pyeongtaek City, etc. Regarding Relocation of US Forces Korea Bases" (hereinafter 'Pyeongtaek Support Special Act') at a plenary session of the National Assembly's Defense Committee.

The Pyeongtaek Support Special Act, enacted to support regional development as the US Forces Korea base relocated to Pyeongtaek in 2004, faces expiration of its validity period at the end of this year, making extension of the act essential for uninterrupted regional development and policy implementation.

Accordingly, the city has been working closely with the Ministry of Defense and local National Assembly members on extending the act, based on grounds including completion of core city policies such as attracting Goduck International School and new/expanded factory installations, establishment of operational systems following the stationing of the US military base, and securing momentum for ongoing regional development projects.

The local community anticipates that this bill's passage will become a major turning point for Pyeongtaek City's development into an international city.

Citizens also earnestly hope for the final passage in the plenary session, hoping that Pyeongtaek City becomes a model case simultaneously addressing national security and regional development.

Mayor Jung Jang-seon stated, "The Defense Committee passage of the Pyeongtaek Support Special Act was a necessary measure to stably complete the US Forces Korea base relocation project and accomplish development of returned areas and regional development."

Mayor Jung continued, "The city and the entire region have worked for extension of the special act, and in particular, local National Assembly members Hong Ki-won and Kim Hyun-jung have provided tremendous support," expressing gratitude.

Meanwhile, should this Defense Committee-approved bill receive final confirmation at a subsequent National Assembly plenary session, Pyeongtaek City will be able to pursue large-scale development projects and residential support policies in a more stable and efficient manner.