US Towns Brace For Base-closing Wave

The Pentagon is expected to announce a large number of closings among its 425 domestic bases.

1 minute read

May 12, 2005, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"After months of speculation, the Pentagon is set to release the roster of bases scheduled for closure as part of an ambitious - and controversial - plan for a leaner and more flexible military in the 21st century.

...[F]or the wisest towns, experts say, the shift marks the beginning of something else altogether - planning for life after the installation is gone. From Colorado plains to Indiana cornfields, history suggests that communities have suffered less when they have been willing to let go and move forward - in many cases coming up with new plans for the site even before the base-closing list is finalized."

Thanks to Tom Collins

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 in The Christian Science Monitor

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