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By Ellen Heath |
As the process to select the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list begins, a number of cities and counties are beginning to seriously address the long-term contribution of existing military bases to their communities, and the possible impact of the closures. Under BRAC, bases throughout the nation will be closed, cut back or realigned. The sites will be subject to locally driven programs for redevelopment and reintegration into the surrounding communities.
The BRAC selection committee will submit its list of candidate bases to the president Sept. 8, after which President Bush can either accept or reject the recommendations. The final BRAC list will become official Nov. 7.
While closures bring the loss of military and civilian jobs, they can also open new opportunities for community and economic development, especially in regions where land supplies are constrained. When a thoughtful, strategic approach to military base reuse is implemented, it’s an opportunity to create new communities and new jobs.
BRAC Can Be Anywhere and Anything
The Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force installations that will be closing are
scattered in cities large and small throughout the country. They vary significantly
in size, resources, development potential and market context. The bases, and
their adaptability to new uses, also vary widely, as do the scope, cost and
restrictions associated with their remediation and reuse.
Transforming these bases presents a daunting task, and yet an exciting opportunity for local governments, citizens and the development community. Many times, base reuse focuses on job creation, new development and community needs for housing, recreation and open space.
Every base has its own set of unique characteristics and issues that, along
with the public vision, will guide solutions. It’s essential to have a
good understanding of the marketplace, environmental setting, regional and sub-regional
influences, local community heritage and economic aspects.
There are many issues to consider:
See sidebar: “BRAC and Cleanup”