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Working For Maine

Redevelopment of the Brunswick Naval Air Station

In August, 2005, the people of Maine were shocked to learn that the Brunswick Naval Air Station (BNAS) would be closed by 2011. This decision was reached by a special federal commission despite vigorous and compelling arguments for continued operation presented by the base and Midcoast communities, Congressman Tom Allen and the other members of the Maine Congressional Delegation, and Governor John Baldacci. Although the closure undoubtedly will weaken our national security and have a profound regional economic and social impact, there is an extraordinary effort well underway today to prepare for a forward-looking redevelopment of the base and property “outside the gate.”

The more than 3,300 acres of the base in Brunswick and 79 acres in Topsham contain valuable buildings, hangars, runways and other assets. This property, in the heart of a region that is already growing in encouraging ways, presents a unique and extremely

BNAS 2001 Aerial.jpg
An aerial photo of the 3,300-acre Brunswick Naval Air Station.
promising opportunity for the State. As with other military facilities slated for closing, the process for transferring BNAS property to private or public owners is controlled by a detailed and comprehensive federal law that sets forth steps that must be taken and interests that must be considered.

Most important, the process ensures that the people who live in the vicinity of the base will have a major say in the redevelopment plan. The vehicle for this control is the Local Redevelopment Authority(LRA). Such panels have been appointed by the Governor for both Brunswick and Topsham, and include residents from the region who have a deep commitment to the area and valuable experience and expertise to lend to the effort.

The LRAs have hired skilled staff and consultants to assist them. The Brunswick LRA has also hired a second consultant to undertake a separate analysis of the feasibility of airport utilization options; that study was conducted on a parallel basis, so that planning for the base can proceed whether or not the final plan includes reuse of the air field. Both LRAs have also sought to maximize public input through base tours, open forums, workshops, televised LRA meetings, open committee meetings, websites and other means. On February 13th, 2007, for example, a workshop was held at the Brunswick library to discuss available aviation use options.  Further information about the LRAs’ activities can be found on their websites:

The first step in the redevelopment planning process concerned the designation of “surplus” property; that is, what property remained after the Navy (as owner of the base) determined which property would be handed over to other federal agencies. This phase was completed on Februrary 7, 2007, with the publication of the Navy’s decision that specific property would be set aside for the Maine National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration.  Fortunately, the decision leaves prime buildings and lands available for public and private redevelopment.  The second phase, now underway, involves designation of property for use by state and local governments, homeless service providers, and other entities (including, for example, Bowdoin College) that wish to use property for public or educational purpose. When these designations have been completed, the LRAs, working with the public, will issue a reuse plan for the remaining land.

Planning for development outside the base is also underway. The Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC) is assessing the economic impact of the impending closure and evaluating proposals that will create opportunities even before redevelopment work can begin on the base. The goal is to begin to replace jobs, payroll and residents lost by the closure before these losses occur in large numbers.

Tom Allen and his staff will continue to play an active role in this process by attending meetings of the LRAs and GAC, helping to resolve disputes, and offering any further assistance as the planning process becomes an implementation process. Given the immense support and resources devoted to the redevelopment effort by the community and State, Federal and local governments, the region is likely to emerge with an even stronger, more diverse economy that will serve as an engine for growth for the entire State.

Response to Rep. Allen’s letter from the Federal Aviation Administration
Letter to the Federal Aviation Administration on their use of the ATC Facility at the BNAS.
Letter to the Navy Exchange Service Command on the Commissary at the NASB