The Economic Impact of a Military Installation Closure on a Nearby Community: A Case Study of Available Data (Bellefontaine, OH).
Abstract
The DOD has begun to establish a data base to enable accurate assessments of the impacts of its installations on local communities. As part of this effort, the researchers examined the closure of Bellefontaine Air Force Station, Bellefontaine, Ohio, in an attempt to determine what officially recorded data exist and are available to DOD which may provide valid estimators of the economic impact of military installation closures on local communities. In addition, the researchers attempted to determine the economic impact of the closure on the community of Bellefontaine, Ohio. The research revealed that although there was a wealth of state and county economic data available, there existed a scarcity of community economic data in the areas of commercial construction, employment, payroll/income, retail sales, and real estate. The impact analysis revealed no significant economic impact on the community occurred, however, the researchers observed that the economic impact of this closure as perceived by the community was severe. This disparity was caused by the community's misconception concerning the actual economic contributions of the installation. The researchers conclude that DOD needs to take the initiative in clarifying the contributions of its installations on local communities through individual community studies. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA030323
Entities
People
- Anthony C. Nardecchia Jr
- Thomas F. Barr
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology