|
August 12, 2005
South
Dakota Faces Economic Challenges in Closure of Ellsworth AFB
 For
the nearly 60,000 residents of Rapid City, South Dakota, life
is good. But Ellsworth Air Force Base's proposed closure under
the 2005 BRAC round is cause for worry.
As the state's second largest employer, Ellsworth provides approximately
5500 military and civilian jobs and an additional 1700 indirect
local jobs. The base is a pillar for Rapid City, pumping $278
million into the local economy, according to the Air Force's 2004
Economic Impact Analysis.
-- Online NewsHour
South Dakota Public Broadcasting has full
local coverage of the debate over Ellsworth Airforce
Base, including a May 19 broadcast on the history
of Ellsworth and the fight to keep it open (video).
-- South Dakota
Public Broadcasting
June 30, 2005
South
Dakota's Sen. Thune Wrestles with the Politics of Base Closures
South Dakota's Republican Sen. John Thune ran his winning campaign
against former Democratic Sen. Tom Daschle, in part, on the
promise that he would be well placed to keep Ellsworth Air Force
Base open. Now Thune is in office and the Pentagon has slated
Ellsworth for closure.
-- National Public
Radio
June 10, 2005
Citizens Vow to Fight Closure of Groton, Conn. Submarine Base
For the last 90 years, American submarines and their sailors have
come and gone from the port at the New London submarine base in
Groton, Conn. The base is home to 8,500 sailors, who tend to 18
nuclear powered subs. The base's extensive history has spawned
deep ties to the surrounding community. When the Pentagon announced
in May 2005 that the New London base was on its proposed list
of military bases to close, residents across southeastern Connecticut
vowed to fight to keep it open.
-- The NewsHour with
Jim Lehrer
May 19, 2005
Indiana Towns Relieved to Keep Bases But Brace for Job Losses
Video: After Base Re-alignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations
were released on May 13, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels said the state
had dodged a "mortar round." But Crane Naval Surface
Center will lose over 600 jobs, and Terre Haute's 181st Fighter
Wing will lose over 130. What does this mean for the communities?
What's the next step? How will the State of Indiana help those
who've lost their jobs find another?
-- WTIU, Bloomington
May 15, 2005
Base
Closure Gets Rare Welcome in Calif. Town
The Pentagon announcement of base closings across the country
has caused alarm in many communities. However, officials in Concord,
Calif., are pleased that the Navy has recommended closing much
of the Concord Naval Weapons Center. Sarah Varney reports from
San Francisco.
-- National Public
Radio
May 13, 2005
A
Navy Base Closes, and a Town Thrives
The prospect of a military base closing strikes fear into many
communities, which often form close business ties with their local
base, relying on it for a steady stream of customers and growth.
More than a decade ago, the Glenview Naval Air Station near Chicago
was closed after nearly 60 years. But the Village of Glenview
found a way to thrive -- and it serves as a model for towns facing
base closures.
-- National Public
Radio
May
2005
North Carolina Bases Affected by Realignments
North Carolina has the fourth largest military presence of any
state, including major facilities like the Army's Fort Bragg,
Camp Lejune Marine Base, and Pope Air Force Base. The state has
launched a $2 million lobbying effort in an attempt to save military
jobs slated to be moved from North Carolina to facilities in other
states. Officials are worried that base realignments will have
a detrimental effect on the economy, which they estimate receives
$18 billion annually from military related spending.
-- UNC TV
|
