An Army document released this week is projecting that the estimated growth at Fort Stewart by 2013 will be closer to 1,000 soldiers, civilians and contractors.

It differs from an Army press release last week which indicated that, in spite of the fact a fifth brigade is not coming, 4,000 additional troops would be arriving at Fort Stewart by 2013.

"It’s absolutely disappointing to discover that the planned influx is only 25 percent of what was recently projected," said Mike Melton, Richmond Hill city manager and vice chair of a growth management group in connection with the military. "However, the Army is continually influxed and troop placement constantly changes based on different world conditions."

The document shows an increase of 860 military personnel, civilians and contractors to raise the population of Fort Stewart from 22,223 to 23,083 by 2013. It also shows Hunter Army Airfield gaining 283 people to increase from 6,492 to 6,775 by 2013.

The document also states that "Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield remain key stationing locations as our Army continues to change in response to evolving requirements worldwide."

"I see Fort Stewart continuing to grow in the future," Melton said. "Maybe not as much as a new brigade would entail, but it may come close."