Military Base Closures Since 1988: Status and Employment Changes at the Communityand State Level

摘要

U.S. budget outlays for national defense have declined sharply since the late1980s, and are expected to continue this decline for several more years. The downsizing of the U.S. armed forces, which began before the fall of the Berlin Wall, has been an important factor in the drop in defense spending. Beginning in 1988, Congress required a reduction in military bases and other military real property infrastructure to accompany the manpower cuts. Members of Congress are very interested in how defense spending cuts and the consequent base realignment and closure process will affect the communities they represent. This report compiles Department of Defense (DOD) data on major base closures and employment changes at DOD facilities affected by the base realignment and closure (BRAC) process since 1988. It assesses (1) the process and issues associated with closure and reuse of major installations, (2) the employment effects of all BRAC actions at the community and state levels, and (3) the federal role in assisting affected communities, workers, and businesses. Major base closures, shutdowns causing the loss of 300 or more jobs, are a focus of particular concern. Of the hundreds of actions closing or realigning military installations, 98 qualify as major closures. Here, the challenges for job replacement, wise land use, and community stability often are greatest. The disposition and/or reuse of military real property can have an important impact on the economic and social health of a host community.