? A New Jersey lawmaker is pushing a bill aimed at filling the economic hole that will be left once Fort Monmouth closes.

Assemblyman Michael Panter (D-12th District) grew up near the fort and says he understands why businesses are concerned about the impact of the impending closure. Panter?s bill seeks to create the Fort Monmouth Revitalization Authority. The assemblyman says if approved, the panel would start brainstorming ways to fill the gap left by the military installation before the doors close permanently.

Fort Monmouth employs 22,000 people and, according to figures, pumps more than $5 million into the local and state economies.