Book Description

American military bases open, close, contract, or expand to satisfy Defense changes and meet national security challenges. Between 1988 and 1995, 387 military installations were approved for closure or realignment (97 were classi ed as major closures and 55 as major realignments). During these closure years, communities selected 24 of 49 former military air elds for conversion to civil uses, ranging from major metropolitan airports to cargo hubs and general aviation. It was determined during the reuse planning process that many of these former air elds could be a primary engine for attracting new businesses, creating new jobs, and expanding the local economy. The effects of military base closures and realignments are felt locally. Jobs are lost, often large parcels of land are made available for civilian uses, or a signi cant in ux of personnel may strain the local capacity to provide housing, infrastructure, and community services. These Defense actions create challenges for community leaders; thus, the Defense Economic Adjustment Program and the Of ce of Economic Adjustment (OEA) were established to help alleviate the adverse effects of Defense actions, including military base closures and realignments, and to provide transitional guidance to communities. An orderly economic adjustment transition process has evolved. For base closures and realignments, Congress has prescribed the organization, procedures, and timing for local activities that deal with surplus base property. OEA publishes community guidance manuals in order to help communities steer their way through the often traumatic and confusing adjustment period.