Defense Ministry to rate local governments’ cooperation in implementing U.S. realignment plan

   The Defense Ministry on August 29 adopted the allotment criteria of subsidies to local governments created by the recently enacted law to promote U.S. military realignment.

   In order to forcibly implement the realignment plan, the Defense Ministry will rate the degree of burdens on and cooperation of local governments and increase or reduce the amount of subsidies for them.

   By changing the amount of subsidies every year, the ministry intends to force local residents and governments to cooperate in carrying out the plan.

   The subsidies will be increased from 10 percent to 100 percent when (1) the local government accepts the realignment plan, (2) it agrees on starting environmental impact assessments, (3) it agrees on starting facility constructions, and (4) the realignment is completed. If a local government concerned comes to oppose the plan and the project is delayed, the ministry may reduce the amount of subsidies down to zero yen.                                                   - Akahata, August 30, 2007