"Laying the groundwork for sustained support for host communities"

People Power Party Rep. Yoo Eui-dong, who won the by-election in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, takes his oath and delivers remarks at a plenary session of the National Assembly held Friday to elect the leadership of the 22nd National Assembly's second half. [Yonhap]
People Power Party Rep. Yoo Eui-dong, who won the by-election in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, takes his oath and delivers remarks at a plenary session of the National Assembly held Friday to elect the leadership of the 22nd National Assembly's second half. [Yonhap]

By Jung Seok-jun, The Herald Business

People Power Party Rep. Yoo Eui-dong said he plans to introduce a bill on support for areas hosting US Forces Korea as his first piece of legislation in the 22nd National Assembly, along with related amendments to existing laws.

The bill revives legislation Yoo championed in the 21st National Assembly, which lapsed when that term expired without a vote. It aims to establish a legal framework for the sustainable development of Pyeongtaek — home to the largest USFK installation in the country — and to improve the quality of life for its residents.

Through the renewed push, Yoo said he intends to make clear that existing law has been limited to temporary support for areas that received relocated military bases. He said a new framework is now needed — one that enables USFK and Pyeongtaek residents to cooperate and build lasting synergies long after the relocation is complete.

"Pyeongtaek has long played a special role for national security, and the state's responsibility and support must match that contribution," Yoo said. "We need to move beyond one-time assistance for base relocation areas and build a support system centered on Pyeongtaek's future and the lives of its citizens."

He added that Pyeongtaek should aspire to be more than a city that has simply backed national security. "I will work tirelessly so that Pyeongtaek can leap forward as a central city of South Korea — one its residents can take even greater pride in," he said.


mp1256@heraldcorp.com