How have local communities affected by installation closures fared overall?
Some base realignments and closures may cause near-term social and economic disruption. However, there are many success stories from previous closures. For example, at Charleston Naval Base, S.C., the local community, assisted by DoD, was able to create approximately 4,500 new jobs. Approximately 90 private, state and federal entities are currently reusing the former naval base. Since the closure of Mather Air Force Base, CA, more than 54 leases have been generated at the new Mather Field complex. Its prime location and one of the country’s longest runways have made it an active air cargo hub for California’s central valley and the Sacramento region. Additionally, the former base now employs nearly 3,700 personnel with its high-technical businesses, manufacturing, operations, educational centers, government agencies, and recreational facilities. At the former Fort Devens, MA, more than 3,000 new jobs have been generated and 2.7 million square feet of new construction has occurred with
