Military and Civilian Dimensions of America's Regional Policy, 1972-1994

Abstract

This article examines the impact of federal properties on regional growth in the United States between 1972 and 1994, and provides evidence that these properties influenced and continue to influence regional growth. Documenting the impact of federal facilities (military and civilian) on regional growth from 1972 to 1994 allows examination of the differences among types of such facilities. For understanding regional dynamics, those that play a role in the nation's science and technology program—whether military or civilian-have exerted a much stronger force on regional economies than others. The federal government has allocated a very large share of discretionary spending to national security, and thus there are far more national security facilities than there are civilian ones and their collective impact is significantly higher. Nevertheless, if the comparison is made on a per installation basis, individual civilian installations have made a contribution to local economies that is comparable to that of national security facilities.