Army Secretary Peter Geren will visit various locations in Jefferson County on May 9 to sign a "community covenant" between Fort Drum and the surrounding areas.

The declaration states that the community outside Fort Drum will work with the post to support it, and its soldiers, and the base will work to support the community, said Joseph E. McLaughlin, Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes project director.

About 400 people are expected to attend the event, including numerous elected officials from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. This is the first time Mr. Geren has visited the north country since his appointment in July.

The ceremony will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the DealMaker conference center in Watertown.