The Impacts of Compatible Land Use at Fort Bragg-Pope Air Force Base

Abstract : Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base (AFB) form a major military complex that dominates the Fayetteville, N.C., region. Together, the bases constitute a significant portion of the regional economy, directly accounting for nearly one out of every four jobs, and generating about 21 percent of regional earnings. In recent years, there has been increased local public interest in the noise and safety impacts that these training exercises can have on local communities in the vicinity of the bases. In 1989, a joint land use task force of local government officials, DoD representatives, and local citizens was formed to address the noise and safety issues in the Fort Bragg area. In 1991, the task force issued a Joint Compatible Land Use Policy Study. Building on this study, the Logistics Management Institute (LMI) examined the fiscal implications associated with compatible land use for the four counties in the area that are most affected by Fort Bragg's military operations: Cumberland, Harnett. Hoke, and Moore. The fiscal impacts of adopting compatible land uses are negligible largely because the substantial amounts of land are available for development out-side of the areas affected by proposed restrictions. Local jurisdictions have the ability to direct intensive development away from areas affected by military operations without incurring any significant costs. However, military authorities do not have the same flexibility. In most cases, military operations cannot be moved from their existing training sites without incurring additional costs.