Case analysis of the Ford Ord Restoration Advisory Board 1995-1999

Abstract

This research analyzes the successful and less successful practices of the Fort Ord Restoration Advisory Board in expediting environmental cleanup at Fort Ord, making former military land available for civilian use. It includes descriptions of Base Realignment and Closure selection criteria, President Clinton's Revitalization initiative, the Restoration Advisory Board process, and an extensive literature review of citizen involvement in advisory groups and conflict. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with Army representatives, regulatory agency representatives, citizens, and other individuals that were either members of or asoociated with the Fort Ord Restoration Advisory Board. This paper draws conclusions and offers recommendations about how challenges encountered by the Fort Ord Restoration Advisory Board can be avoided at other military installations that either have existing advisory boards or are required to form boards due to fixture Base Realignment and Closure actions.