[CPEO-MEF] Governors' Association "Brief" on Encroachment

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

On October 11, 2002, the National Governors' Association (NGA) Center
for Best Practices released a six-page issue brief, "Military
Installations Pressured by Sprawl." It briefly examines efforts in  four
states - Arizona, California, Florida, and Colorado - to minimize the
conflict between urban development and military readiness activities.

The brief argues that constraints on military operations may cause
reductions in activity or even facility closure, undermining the
financial contribution that the U.S. military makes to local and state
economies. 

It explains, "The authority over civilian land use and development
around many military installations rests with state and local
governments. The most effective way to deal with urban encroachment of
military installations is through improved local land-use planning and
zoning. There are many examples of legislation and land-use plans and
zoning codes that can be implemented to address this issue. However, the
most effective approach is to anticipate future urban growth patterns
and create a strategic land use plan that prevents encroachment near our
nation's military installations."

The NGA brief adds, "Governors can address encroachment concerns by
supporting improved land-use practices that promote economic
development, safeguard natural resources, and maintain a community's
quality of life." It concludes, "A community's efforts to grow and
thrive can - and for the good of our nation must - coexist with the
military's mission of training and operational readiness. A
comprehensive and long-term approach to compatible land use that applies
local smart growth tools can balance community development with the
military's responsibility to protect our nation in an effective manner."

To download this document, go to
http://www.nga.org/cda/files/100802SPRAWL.PDF

-- 


Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org

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