Chances of Malmstrom AFB closing with nuke reduction (Great Falls: agriculture, to move)

[Westward Bound 23]

As my wife and I have considered various western cities trying to find the right place for our family Great Falls has seemed to be a good fit for us. However, before pursuing GF further I have a question about the future of the economy there.

According to the Great Falls Tribune the AFB is responsible for 35% of the economic base there. With President Obama talking so much recently about reducing our nuclear arsenal from about 6,000 to 1,000 nukes and eventually zero, what will be the fate of Malmstrom?

Communities - Great Falls Tribune - www.greatfallstribune.com

Some minor background info; Malmstrom currently has 200 missiles (ICBMs) but is being downsized to 150 over the next year or so. Managing the ICBMs in the Montana missile field is Malmstrom’s primary role. There are two other bases (Minot AFB in ND and Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY) that have 150 ICBMs each for a total of 450 ICBMs.

Although GF seems like a great place, I would hate to move there and make a large investment in my business only to have the AFB close in 10 years or so and have to leave the city due to economic meltdown. With Malmstrom making such a large contribution to the economy it is a vital part of the economy in GF.

Any thoughts? Is anyone aware of anything the city is trying to do to diversify the economy? I'll be interested to read what you have to say.

[anthonyr]

In my opinion, Great Falls is a dying town.

[rickers]

Originally Posted by anthonyr

In my opinion, Great Falls is a dying town.

I don't think it's dying it just has a fever. Great Falls is not going to dry up and blow away. Just wait until the economy swings back up and all the bargains that can be found there will get bought up. If I had more capital to work with I would be scooping up little fixers there.

[Redraven]

The first problem is the assumption that Mr. O will be able to do what he is talking abut doing. His record of kept promises isn't that great at the moment, we'll just have to wait and see.
The second problem is that the base is about one third of the total Great Falls economy. Much of the rest if agriculture. THAT isn't going to go away anytime soon.
There is always the possiblility that other uses could be found for the base if it closed. the Air Guard could move off Gore Hill and use the base. Industry could be brought in. the housing could be used.
The town of Great Falls will still be there, base or no base. Some adjustments will have to be made, to be sure, but the people of that area are resilient, they can rise to the occasion and keep going.
Besides, us retirees will raise hell with Congress if they try to take away the only commissary and exchange we have, not to mention the other facilities that we utilize.

[Westward Bound 23]

Thanks for the input. Would anyone else like to offer their opinion? Is anyone aware of any measures the city is taking to diversify their economy?

Originally Posted by Westward Bound 23

As my wife and I have considered various western cities trying to find the right place for our family Great Falls has seemed to be a good fit for us. However, before pursuing GF further I have a question about the future of the economy there.

According to the Great Falls Tribune the AFB is responsible for 35% of the economic base there. With President Obama talking so much recently about reducing our nuclear arsenal from about 6,000 to 1,000 nukes and eventually zero, what will be the fate of Malmstrom?

Communities - Great Falls Tribune - www.greatfallstribune.com

Some minor background info; Malmstrom currently has 200 missiles (ICBMs) but is being downsized to 150 over the next year or so. Managing the ICBMs in the Montana missile field is Malmstrom’s primary role. There are two other bases (Minot AFB in ND and Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY) that have 150 ICBMs each for a total of 450 ICBMs.

Although GF seems like a great place, I would hate to move there and make a large investment in my business only to have the AFB close in 10 years or so and have to leave the city due to economic meltdown. With Malmstrom making such a large contribution to the economy it is a vital part of the economy in GF.

Any thoughts? Is anyone aware of anything the city is trying to do to diversify the economy? I'll be interested to read what you have to say.

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by Westward Bound 23

Thanks for the input. Would anyone else like to offer their opinion? Is anyone aware of any measures the city is taking to diversify their economy?

I'd say it's a wheat and cattle industry hub first and foremost, and so long as people want to eat that's going to be there, even if Malmstrom dried up and blew away.