With defense spending a major topic in Congress, the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce is weighing in on how the money should be spent.
The chamber's president, Tim Hulbert, sent a letter to lawmakers in Washington. He says efficiencies can be found by moving things into the Charlottesville area.
Hulbert says the area has good schools and the cost of living is much cheaper than in the D.C. Metro Area.
"I think we can handle more if we get it in a thought out rational way, yes," he said.
The letter notes that the federal government employs about 3,000 people in the area at an estimated combined salary of $200 million.
The chamber says federal research at the University of Virginia costs about $300 million annually.
