| Ollie F. (Frank) Cook's "BRAC" Page |
This web page shall
remain on the Internet in memory |
This web page addresses the military retiree medical care broken promise issue, and the closing of military installations and their associated Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF).
We all know that our dilemma, in reference to the medical care broken promise, started when the administration and Congress decided to dismantle the Armed Forces of the United States. The military MTF, that would provide the care that we were promised, have been closed down with the base closures. What happened to the installation and MTF that were closed? Were they boarded up, demolished, sold, placed in care taker status, or what? This web page attempts to answer those questions.
We know that the saving of tax payer dollars and creating a more efficient military is the justification/excuse for closing a military base and its MTF. We also know that in some cases this is nothing more than a sham. We know that in many cases "profit" not "savings" is the real justification/subterfuge for closing a military base. The goal of this web page is an endeavor to find the truth.
In many cases the research seems to indicate that it would cost the tax payer (federal, state, and local) less dollars to keep the installation open as an active military site than to close it, e.g., millions for new airport terminals, roads, water, sewer, etc., millions for upgrading to federal correctional system standards, millions for seismic bracing, improved fire safety, handicapped accessibility and other building and equipment improvements, millions for environmental cleanup to extend beyond the year 2027 with yearly outlay of dollars, on and on it goes. We have been informed by the base closing advocates that we (the tax payer) cannot see the big picture, however we (the vision impaired tax payer) would like to thank the Congress (to whom we entrust TO see the big picture) for defeating the latest attempt for another BRAC to close more installations.
Disclaimer:
The world turns and changes occur. Therefore the author and/or webmaster, while trying to keep the information timely and accurate, can make no guarantees. However, the author believes, from the information available to him, the input was correct at the time of submission. I will make an effort to correct errors brought to my attention. Readers should also be aware that the information available on this web site does not necessarily reflect official positions of any city, county, state, or national governmental entities.
Research for
this web page done by:
TSgt Ollie F. (Frank) Cook, USAF
(Ret)
5531 Bonanza Drive
Haltom City, TX 76137-2525
Click here to e-mail comments to - jgcook1@yahoo.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Bases/Medical Facilities Closed):
BRAC 1988
Chanute AFB, Rantoul, IL; Closure Date: 30 September 1993 (BRAC 88). Redevelopment Authority: Village of Rantoul. A former ATC base (activated as Chanute Field in 1917 which conducted flying training in WWI and converted to technical training in 1921 retaining that mission until closing. Also conducted specialized four-engine flying training during WWII. Redesignated Chanute AFB on 13 Jan 1948) consisting of 2,125 acres with housing of 154 officer; 1,168 NCO; 196 VOQ; 944 VAQ, and a 35-bed hospital. Following the announcement in December, 1988 that Chanute AFB would close, the Mayor formed several committees to discuss what to do with the property left by the Air Force. The creation of the Aviation and Development Department provides Economic Development support for the Village of Rantoul and operates the general aviation, basic transport airport, which is composed of the former Chanute Air Force properties granted to the Village and created from the abandoned military runways and taxiways. Early in the discussions, the decision was made to reopen the airfield and since it's opening has grown to more than 1000 operations each month, 24 based aircraft, and regular visits of corporate aircraft. In March 1998, the Village of Rantoul Board of Trustees voted to name the airfield after Major General Frank W. Elliott Jr. in recognition of his many significant contributions to the creation of the airport and the redevelopment of the Village of Rantoul following the closure of the base. The full name of the development which was dedicated in July 1998 is the Rantoul National Aviation Center, Frank Elliott Field. The Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum is the only vestige left of this once very important and historical base. Chanute Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $37.8 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $29.4 million (FY17)
George Air Force Base, Victorville, California official close date was 15 December 1992 (BRAC 88). The Victor Valley Economic Development Authority (VVEDA) is the recognized reuse entity of 5,339 acres including 1,641 units of housing; 14 dormitory buildings with 1,400 bed capacity; a 30 bed hospital with a dental clinic, with various office and industrial structures, many of which have been leased and/or sold. The Southern California International Airport opened in October 1994 on 2,300 acres with grants from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of $4.5 million for airport terminal, roads, water and sewer, (1994), $2 million for air base road, (1994), and $1.2 million for road and infrastructure (1998). The EDA also granted Victorville $4.5 million for road, sewer, water and airport improvements (1998). The Federal Bureau of Prisons acquired 940 acres and construction of the $100 million Federal Correctional Complex - Victorville began in June 1997. 1,152 bed medium-security men's facility and a 768-bed women's minimum security facility. Occupancy of the facility is expected to occur in late 1999. George Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $69.1 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $8.5 million (FY15)
Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA Closed: 30 September 1993 (BRAC 88). The base is composed of 5,716 acres and 970,000 square feet of buildings and auxiliary facilities. It includes a 11,300 foot runway and a parallel 6,100 foot runway; four aircraft hangars; office and industrial structures; 18 dormitory buildings; and 1,271 units of single family housing. The Sacramento Area Commission on Mather Conversion (SACOM-C) and its subcommittees grew to over 150 members. In March 1993 the Air Force Record of Decision (ROD) designated 1,791 acres as a public benefit conveyance for a County-owned regional general aviation airport. Mather Airport is now home to numerous air cargo operators, business jets, and general aviation aircraft. The base 70-bed hospital complex contained a three-story hospital built in 1971, two administration buildings built in 1986, and a 15,000 square foot warehouse built in 1995. The Air Force approved a request by the Veteran's Administration for the hospital and 28 acres. The hospital must be brought up to a higher seismic level for inpatient care. Seismic bracing, improved fire safety, handicapped accessibility and other building and equipment improvements are expected to cost about $48 million. By September 1997, the VA had moved much of the caseload from its downtown Sacramento outpatient clinic to Mather. In September 1997, the FAA began developing a $36 million air traffic control facility (TRACON). The facility is expected to open in November 2000 with about 300 employees. 22 August 1995 the Sacramento Board of Supervisors accepted a proposal by the California Department of Corrections (CDC) to build a prison reception center at Mather. The proposed reception center would be a campus style facility on 280 acres and would cost in excess of $250 million. The Center, housing approximately 4,900 male inmates, would provide short-term housing, processing and evaluation of inmates in Northern California. About 1,300 jobs would be created at the Center. CDC proposes to support a one-time mitigation fee of $2 million for local schools and $2 million for local government. CDC would also participate in Mather's infrastructure improvements which it estimates to be $115 million. Mather Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $97.8 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $58.2 million (FY27)
Norton AFB, San Bernardino, CA, Official close date: 31 March 1994 (BRAC 88). The former MAC base consisting of 2,288 acres including offices, warehouses, industrial structures, 264 housing units, 400 Transient quarters, and a USAF clinic. Local Redevelopment Authorities: San Bernardino International Airport Authority (SBIAA) and Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA). Acres transferred: The San Bernardino International Airport was created when 1,324 acres were conveyed at no cost to the SBIAA. The airport which has a 10,000 foot concrete runway and an instrument landing system received its Certification in June, 1996. Retained by the federal government: DFAS, 47 acres; U.S. Forest Service, 25 acres; Bureau of Indian Affairs, 69 acres. 208 units off-base NCO housing has been requested by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians. Grant Awards: OEA grants to IVDA for $741,000, EDA grant $6.825 million for a $9 million road and water lines upgrade project ('94), EDA grant to IVDA $2.6 million for a $3.5 million airport terminal road and parking lot project ('96), EDA grant to San Bernardino Valley College Foundation for $1.1 million (98), OEA/General Telephone grant ($50,000) to develop a small business incubator program, FAA Military Airport Program for airport construction $9.1 million, '99 FAA MAP Program for airfield improvements, $3.8 million, '99 DOD Appropriations, $7.65 million to IVDA for demolition, '99 DOD Appropriations, $1 million to IVDA for infrastructure upgrades, '99 VA-HUD Appropriations, $850,000 for community college district for training program, '99 VA-HUD Appropriation, $500,000 to IVDA for conversion activity, TCA DAM grant 94/95 $100,000 to the SBIAA, TCA DAM grant 96/97 for $262,000 to IVDA for infrastructure project, TCA DAM grant $267,000 ('98) to San Bernardino Valley College Foundation for Bldg. 491. Norton Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $71 million, Estimated Cost to Completion : $23.5 million, completion year: FY15.
Pease AFB, Portsmouth, NH. Official close date: 31 March 1991 (BRAC 88). The former SAC base started its long history as a 300 acre municipal airport in the 1930s. The U.S. Navy started using the airport during World War II. Portsmouth AFB formally opened in 1956. The Air Force renamed the base Pease AFB In 1957and it had grown to 4,254 acres with 1,211 housing units, a 70-bed hospital, and a 11,300 foot runway (one of the longest in the nation) when it was to be the first BRAC base to get the proverbial ax which has fallen many times since. Local Redevelopment Authority: Pease Development Authority (PDA). The base is now known as Pease International Tradeport. Disposal of real property: 2,964 acres for Pease Airport which opened for civilian use in 1991and became an FAA certified airport October 1992. 1,054 acres transferred to Department of Interior for a Migratory Bird Refuge, 218 acres to the New Hampshire Air National Guard. $24 million in infrastructure improvements (pavement, electrical, & facilities) has been completed in the past six years. Approximately 71,000 square feet of the former hospital has been renovated and leased. Another 34,000 square feet on the 3rd and 4th floor are available for lease. 10 single units of former officer housing are being converted by a developer for small business development sites. Recently the PDA obtained a $2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to demolish the rest of the former base housing and dormitories located in various areas of the Tradeport. Pease Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $135.4 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $18.3 million (FY27).
Bergstrom AFB, Austin, Texas official close date was Sept 1993 (BRAC 91). The base property reverted to the City of Austin in Oct. 1993. The Austin City Council renamed the base "Austin-Bergstrom International Airport" in Nov. 1994. Very few entities were saved from the old air force base. The housing was sold and moved. Most structures were demolished, including the 35 bed AF hospital because they did not fit in with the needs of a new commercial airport . The very last military presence at the former AF Base, the 924th Fighter Wing was deactivated, marking the end of 45 years of service, 20 of those years served at Bergstrom in Sept.1996. A $5 million Military Airports Program grant and revenue bonds were used to build the new airport. Official opening date, 23 May 1999. Bergstrom Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $44.6 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $5.9 million (FY25)
Carswell AFB, Fort Worth, Texas official close date was 30 Sept 1993 (BRAC 91). Management responsibility for the base was assumed by the U.S. Navy 1 October 1994(BRAC 93) and was renamed Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Joint Reserve Base, Carswell Field. Over 125 million dollars has been spent on new construction including a NEW medical building (military retirees with prescriptions that are on the pharmacy medication formulary may have them filled at the Branch Medical Clinic). More personnel and aircraft are assigned to the base now than were assigned when it was active duty SAC base. The 140 bed Robert L. Thompson Strategic Hospital was a regional facility that served active duty in a four state area and approximately 26,700 military retirees living within a fifty mile radius of the base. The facility had undergone a 50+ million dollar expansion and renovation in 1988/89. When the base closed, the hospital was turned over to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and another 50 to 60 million dollars were spent to convert it to a minimum security prison hospital for women and is known today as "The Federal Medical Center, Carswell." Carswell Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $15.1 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $3.8 million (FY05) (Rev. 25 Oct 99).
Castle Air Force Base, Atwater, California official close date was 30 December 1995 (BRAC 91). In 1993 the Castle Joint Powers Authority (JPA) became the redevelopment agency and the official reuse authority for the base. Atwater, Merced, and the County of Merced were given equal voting representation. The main base’s 2,777 acres contained an airfield, aviation support buildings, ware-houses, 1,707 dormitory beds, and a 25 bed hospital. Two housing areas, separated from the main base, included 933 family housing units. The base hospital is being used as a clinic by Bloss Memorial Hospital in Atwater. Bloss Memorial received a public benefit conveyance of the building ( a one-story reinforced concrete structure with 122,000 square feet) and 20 acres in January 1996. The off-base housing has been vacant since 1992 and is deteriorating. Vandalism is a problem. In one instance, damage to 40 units cost the USAF $150,000. Three years after a September 1995 GSA sale of the two off-base housing complexes, the property has been transferred to the new owners. The units have been vacant since September, 1995. 1,580 acres was conveyed to the Castle JPA for an airfield and aviation support areas; the airport opened in January 1996. EDA grants; $2.6 million to Atwater for sewer connection (1993); $1,000,000 Revolving Loan Fund to Merced County (1993); $3 million to JPA and Castle Foundation for U.S. Aviation Discovery Exposition (1995); $3 million to Castle JPA for Challenger Learning Center (1998). 660 acres went to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and in mid-1998, the FBOP began construction of a new $70-$80 million, 1,000-bed high security federal penitentiary. Also included is a 150 inmate minimum-security satellite camp. Castle Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $70.9 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $79.5 million (FY12)
England AFB, Alexandria, LA., Closure Date: 15 December 1992 (BRAC 91). Redevelopment Authority: England Economic and Industrial Development District (EEIDD). The 2,282 acre base is known today as England Industrial Airpark and Community. There are 13 plus tenants at the former AF base, including Alexandria International Airport (AEX) opened August 1993, a truck-driver training center, a company that tests airplane instruments, an aircraft inspection company, a new local magnet school (the first school to be established on a closed base) and a 65-bed hospital that is operated by the state for the region's poor. The 550 plus former officer and NCO housing is being utilized and consist of three areas. The first area consisting of three and four bedroom single units is available to employees of Airpark tenants. The second area consisting of two and three bedroom duplex units has been leased by California Lutheran Homes and is a Senior Citizen Retirement Community. The third area consisting of duplex and four-plex units is for rental to anyone in Central Louisiana. England Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $19.1 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $10.6 million (FY23)
Loring AFB, Limestone, Maine. Official close date, 30 September 1994 (BRAC 91). The Loring Development Authority, which owns and operates the Loring Commerce Centre (LCC), was created by the Maine State Legislature in July 1993 in response to the closure. The former base consisted of more than 9000 acres of which the LCC owns 8,700 acres, 3.1 million square feet of facility space and a 12,100 foot runway. 203 acres transferred to the Secretary of the Army by letter dated August 6, 1997, for use by the Maine National Guard. Federal transfer to Dept. of Labor for 42 acres for Job Corps Training Center in December 1998. Permit to FAA for 25 acres where a $10 million regional Airport Surveillance Radar has been commissioned. Some of the 1784 officer and NCO housing units are being utilized by various agencies, e.g., Caswell Housing Site - eight (8) acres, sixteen (16) family housing units conveyed by public sale on June 19, 1998, Connor Family Housing Site - six (6) acres, sixteen (16) family housing units conveyed by Federal transfer to the Bureau of Indian Affairs on June 18, 1998 and Limestone Family Housing (3.42 acres, 12 family housing units) assigned to US Dept of Education by letter July 9, 1997, among others. A new 20-bed hospital was completed in 1988 and Dept of Defense retained the former base hospital (142,000 sq. ft.) and 16 acres of land for a Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Center. Loring Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $79.5 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $40.3 million (FY18)
Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado, Closure Date: 30 September 1994, (BRAC 91). Redevelopment Authority: Lowry Redevelopment Authority (LRA). A former ATC base (Activated August 1937 as Denver Branch, Air Corps Technical School. Redesignated Lowry Field, March 1938. Redesignated Lowry AFB, June 1948. Conducted technical training until closing) consisting of 1,863 acres with 87 officer, 780 NCO, 240 VOQ, and 585 Visiting Airman Quarters (VAQ). USAF clinic on base, with Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (on BRAC 95 list) 15 minutes away. Disposal of Real Property: Economic Development Conveyance (EDC) for approximately 800 acres signed on June 30, 1995. Negotiated sale for 569 acres approved by Congressional Committee in October 1997. Lowry is being transformed into a commercial, residential, educational and recreational community. Located in the heart of Denver and is just minutes from two interstate highways. Lowry Business Park offers businesses a state-of-the-art infrastructure, an interactive college campus for advanced degrees and corporate training, a variety of residential neighborhoods within walking distance, and a number of recreational opportunities. Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $26.4 million, Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $57.6 million (FY22).
Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, Closure Date: 31 March 1993 (BRAC 91). The former TAC base (which served as an Army air base 1941 - 47; USAF base since 1956) consisting of 3,937 acres with offices, warehouses, hangars, 777 housing units, and a 20-bed hospital. Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA): Myrtle Beach Air Base Redevelopment Authority. Almost $25 million has been spent to create the new Myrtle Beach International Airport. This and other investments have resulted in 1,088 new jobs, with the Horry County Aviation Department employing more than 400 people to operate the airport. Aviation related businesses account for an additional 100 jobs. After five years of planning the LRA approved plans for South Park Village on 430 acres which include residential properties, education facilities, recreation opportunities, city and government agencies, and a range of small businesses. The 777 base housing units became a rental housing community, which began operations in mid-1997and is now about 70 percent occupied. Taking advantage of Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a world-renowned golf resort, the county retained the 250-acre 18-hole golf course for public use. Other facilities available for sale and/or lease include: Wing Headquarters, Composite Medical Center, Field Training Facility, Avionics Shop, Base Exchange, and Commissary among others. Environmental cleanup funding to date: $21.1 million. Estimated cost to completion: $13.9 million, Completion Year: FY02.
Richards-Gebaur AFB, Kansas City, MO. Closure Date: 30 September 1994 (BRAC 91). Redevelopment Authority: The Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD). Former AFRES base of 620 acres with another 120 acres occupied by Army, Navy, Marine Reserve units and federal agencies. 27 officer and 214 enlisted on-base, Marine Corps operated all-service housing plus 300 transient quarters. Richards-Gebaur has a history of more than 50 years in Kansas City. The City of Kansas City acquired land for an auxiliary airport and Grandview Airport was opened in 1941. Kansas City conveyed title to 1,813 acres of property to the United States Air Defense Command for $1.00 on June 24, 1955 and the name was changed to Richards-Gebaur AFB on April 27, 1957. After 28 years, the AF transferred portions of Richards-Gebaur back to the City of Kansas City on August 21, 1985. However, a military presence continued at Richards-Gebaur for 10 more years, while the USAF Reserve maintained a wing of A-10 fighters at the airport. In 1994, the AF Reserve moved its operations to Whiteman AFB, and Richards -Gebaur once again became a civil-use airport and was renamed Richards-Gebaur Memorial Airport. Located in south Kansas City, Richards-Gebaur provides services to business and private general aviation users in the southern part of the metropolitan area. Richards-Gebaur Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $4.1 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $6.6 million (FY97)
Williams AFB, Chandler, Arizona. Official close Date: 30 September 1993 (BRAC 91) An ATC base consisting of 4,761 acres with over 700 housing units, most now owned by Arizona State University (ASU) and a 25-bed hospital (disposition unknown). Williams AFB (now known as Williams Gateway Airport) played a strategic role in America's aviation history. Over a span of 52 years, more than 26,500 men and women earned their wings at the base. Redevelopment Authority: Williams Gateway Airport Authority (WGAA). The Williams AFB Economic Reuse Plan was spearheaded by the Reuse Advisory Board and approved by the Governor of Arizona in 1992. The plan determined the base would be developed as an aerospace center and an educational, research and training facility with the airport serving as a reliever to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Disposal of Real Property: WCAA, 3,020 acres total, 2,931 deeded April 1998, 89 acres remain under long term lease. US Army Reserves, 12.6 acres, October 1995. ASU, 605 acres total, 279 acres assigned through Department of Education (ED) and deeded October 1996, 326 acres under long term lease. Maricopa County Accommodation School, 21.4 acres assigned through ED and deeded October 1996. Maricopa County Community College, 55.7 acres assigned through ED, October 1995, under lease pending deed. Homeless Assistance, Chapel and 88 housing units, 20.9 acres assigned through HHS, April 1996, deeds for 19 acres completed, the remaining under lease. Gila River Indian Community, 158 acres, Federal transfer to BIA, August 1997, under lease pending deed.. Williams Environmental cleanup funding to date: $36.4 million, Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $34.1 million (FY16).
Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda, MI, Official Close Date: 30 June 1993 (BRAC 91). The former SAC base was in operation under different names and with different capacities since 1923. The facility began as a subsidiary of Selfridge Field and was named Camp Skeel. Until WW II, Camp Skeel was used for gunnery practice, winter maneuvers, and aircraft landings. The base was renamed Oscoda Army Air Field and was operated by the Continental Air Command as a transient aircraft stopover. In 1953, the base was renamed Wurtsmith AFB. Assigned to SAC in 1960. Support activities at Wurtsmith included aircraft and vehicle maintenance, training of bombardment crews and units, and air refueling support The base consisted of 4,626 acres including offices, warehouses, hangars, 1,349 housing units, and a 20-bed hospital. Located in a rural township with a population of only 1,061 and in a county with a total population of only 30,209. A local economic adjustment effort benefited significantly from the no-cost rural Economic Development Conveyance. To date, there are more than 1,141 new jobs at the former base – compared to about 750 lost at the time of closure. Several on-base housing units were relocated throughout the region under a public-private initiative to provide affordable housing. The remaining units will be redeveloped on the base as a retirement and vacation community. Local Redevelopment Authority: Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport Authority. Disposal of Real Property: Long-term civilian airport Lease for 1,700 acres. Information on the disposition of the hospital is unavailable at this time. Wurtsmith environmental cleanup funding to Date: $27.9 million. Estimated Cost to Completion: $54.5 million. Completion Year: FY20
Griffiss AFB, Rome, New York Official close date: 30 September 1995 (BRAC 93). Redevelopment Authority: Oneida County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) and Griffiss Local Development Corporation (GLDC). The former SAC base consisted of 3,896 acres with a 20-bed hospital and 735 housing units. Today it is Griffiss Business & Technology Park and a $15.0 Million capital improvements program has rebuilt roads, rationalized underground infrastructure systems, demolished nearly 650,000 SF of obsolete buildings, renovated key buildings that are being marketed for reuse, converted the central steam plant from coal to natural gas, and installed new signage throughout Griffiss. An additional $5.0 Million Capital Improvements Program is being planned for 1999 and will include construction of a 50,000 SF industrial shell building.. GLDC has retained Rome Research Corporation to operate the airfield and Oneida County will help support development of the airfield for aviation-related development. GLDC also is negotiating a lease with ARI for start-up of an aircraft refurbishment and maintenance center. GLDC, in conjunction with OCIDA, has finalized an agreement with the Air Force for purchase of approximately 1,600 acres. This will allow GLDC to market real estate for sale. Griffiss Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $55.8 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $59 million (FY10)
K. I. Sawyer AFB, Marquette, MI, Official close date: 30 Sep 95 (BRAC 93). This former SAC base consisting of 5,278 acres including offices, warehouses, hangars, a 12,300 feet runway, 1,693 housing units, and a 15-bed hospital situated in a rural and economically depressed region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Redevelopment Authority: Marquette County effective April 19, 1997. The major employers now include an aircraft maintenance division of American Eagle and Sawyer Lumber, a $24 million, state-of-the-art lumber mill. In an interesting and adaptive reuse, the Potato Growers’ Association of Michigan is converting the central heating plant, which was originally scheduled for demolition, into a potato processing facility. The county intends to move its existing airport to the former military base. The grand opening of Sawyer Airport and commercial terminal is scheduled for Fall 1999. Information on the disposition of the housing and hospital is unavailable at this time. K. I. Sawyer environmental cleanup funding to Date: $27.9 million. Estimated Cost to Completion, $32.8 million. Completion Year: FY02.
March AFB, Riverside, CA. Activated 1 March 1918, Realigned 31 March 1996 (BRAC 93). Redevelopment Authority: March Joint Powers Authority (MJPA). Area and Facilities: The base covers about 6,700 acres, of these, 2,258 acres, retained as March Air Reserve Base which will continue military operations and to be used by the MJPA for civilian operations in accordance with the terms of a Joint Use Agreement The reuse plan for the remaining 4,400 acres include 111 family housing units, a school, a 90-bed hospital, and numerous specialty buildings. 1000 acres have been set aside by the Air Force for habitat protection of the endangered Stephens' Kangaroo rat. About 500 acres will be used for the airport, 200 acres for the Riverside National Cemetery, 250 acres for the golf course, 365 acres for the Sheriffs Department, and 75 aces for the Air Force Retirement Village. Headquarters building and 7 acres, retained for administrative purposes, Audiovisual facility, 13 acres, retained for use by the American Forces Information Service, Commissary, 13 acres, retained by the Defense Commissary Agency, Base Exchange, 7 acres retained for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, a building and 19 acres, retained for the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office. 581 units of single family and duplex units will be demolished. The March Field Museum Foundation with nearly 1,000 supporters, is now solely responsible for maintaining and displaying approximately 5,000 museum items and 50 aircraft on loan from the Air Force. All Air Force financial contributions ended April 1, 1996 when March AFB was realigned. In the previous year, the AF contributed $250,000 to the museum which annually draws about 120,000 visitors. The Defense Environmental Response Program Report for FY 1997 shows that cleanup should be completed by the year 2019 for a total cost of $169 million. As of FY 1997, about $132 million has been spent.
Plattsburgh AFB, N.Y., Official close date: 30 Sep 95 (BRAC 93). A former SAC base which was the second oldest military installation in the U.S., established 1814. An AFB since 1955 consisting of 3,451 acres. including offices, warehouses, hangars, 1,643 housing units, and a 20-bed hospital. Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA): The Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corporation (PARC) was created to fill the gap in the economy of the region and attract new businesses on the former base. It is interesting to note that the base is in a mothball state and looks ready to be back in operation on a short notice. The future will tell us if the closure was a right decision. PARC originally contemplated acquiring the base under an Economic Development Conveyance (EDC). They are now planning to acquire the base through a combination of Airport Public Benefit Conveyance (on the "new" base) and EDC. Surveys for Endangered Species, Phase I Archeology, and Cold War Resources were completed. The installation also completed the installation-wide Environmental Impact Statement. The LRA is currently exploring Native American group interest in leasing the entire installation. Disposal/Transfer (including Long-term Lease) of Real Property: 35 interim leases. Plattsburgh environmental cleanup funding to Date: $29.4 million. Estimated Cost to Completion: $30.4 million, Completion Year: FY29.
Kelly AFB, San Antonio, Texas, closure Date: 13 July 2001 (BRAC 95). Redevelopment Authority: Greater Kelly Development Corporation (GKDC). An Air Force Materiel Command (formerly Air Force Logistics Command) base dating from 21 November 1916 and is the oldest continuously active air base in the U.S. The base is comprised of approximately 4,060 acres with an additional 601 acres of off-base property leased at each end of the runway for Air Installation Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ). (The purpose of the AICUZ is to prevent incompatible development in high noise exposure areas; to minimize public exposure to potential safety hazards associated with aircraft operations; and to protect the operational capacity of air stations). 414 housing units. USAF Clinic on base with Wilford Hall Medical Center 15 minutes away at Lackland AFB. The base also acted as host to numerous tenant organizations that represent the Air Force, the Army, the Department of Defense (DOD), and various other government agencies. For Kelly AFB, the realignment process will be a slow one. Although the base was designated for closure in July 1995, it was given until July 2001 to complete the transfer of ownership to the city and realign. Approximately 47% of the base (everything east of the runway) will be transferred to the City of San Antonio through the GKDC. The remaining 53%, which comprises the western portion and includes the runways, will be retained by the USAF and is planned to become part of Lackland AFB. Kelly Environmental cleanup funding to date: $78.9 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $53.6 million (FY14).
McClellan AFB, Sacramento, CA. Projected closure date: Must close by 30 July 2001 (BRAC 95). This Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), former Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) base is composed of 3,797 acres. It has 155 industrial buildings, 35 warehouses and a single 10,600 foot runway. A new USAF Medical Clinic was built on base with major medical cases being sent to Mather AFB (now closed and the AF approved a request by the Veteran's Administration for the Mather hospital). On-base housing includes 105 Wherry housing units, 13 dormitories with a capacity of 1,113, and 30 housing units in the Sacramento Air Depot Historical District. Off-base Capehart housing consists of 540 housing units in 332 buildings. The Coast Guard will retain 173 housing units on 39 acres. A 9-hole golf course is located there. Unique facilities include a nuclear radiation center, a plastic media blast facility, a digital network switching center, aircraft instrument and computer facility, technical operations division laboratory, F-111 cold proof facility, hydraulic repair facility, global high frequency radio facility, and an anechoic chamber for antenna testing. The Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) is the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors that has approved a reuse plan that focuses on the creation of a McClellan Technology Center with a private airfield to be operated as part of the industrial infrastructure. The center would incorporate aviation support, industrial, administrative, commercial, residential, and public facilities/recreation reuses. The proposed Aircraft Repair and Operations area would be the largest single land use at the main base, comprising 1,802 acres or 63% of the property. Environmental Contamination: The Defense Environmental Response Program Report for FY 1997 showed that cleanup at McClellan should be completed by the year 2033 for a total cost of $832 million. As of FY 1997, about $361 million had been spent. The base was identified as a National Priorities List (NPL) "Superfund" site in 1987, having the second highest Hazardous Ranking Score of any military installation in the nation; only the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Colorado ranks higher.
Reese AFB, Lubbock, Texas official close date was 30 September 1997 (BRAC 95). The first class of pilot trainees arrived at Reese, then known as Lubbock Army Air Field, in February 1942. The base trained 7,008 pilots during WW II and starting again in November 1949 trained 25,350 pilots by the time the last class graduated in January 1997. Today the base’s 3000 acres and buildings are managed by The Lubbock-Reese Redevelopment Authority (LRRA) and is known as Reese Center. At the current time, over 30% of the property has been redeveloped with research and technology transfer being the focus of most of the development. The old hospital building is still intact and is strongly being looked at as a possible location for offices housing the USDA in conjunction with Texas Tech University's meat lab research facilities which will soon be located at Reese Center. Due to the pilot training mission of the base with a younger population, the 15 bed hospital did not treat many older retirees and most military retirees in the Lubbock area had to utilize CHAMPUS for their medical care until they reached their 65th birthday and received the unceremonious kiss-off from the military health-care system. Reese Environmental cleanup funding to Date: $27.5 million Estimated Cost to Completion (Completion Year): $34.4 million (FY11)
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