Guns and butter: the military supports the Alaska economy in many ways.

• Author: Lavrakas, Dimitra
• Position: Editorial

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Long before statehood, the U.S. military played a key role in Alaska's development. From the bold, arctic sailing skills of U.S. Revenue Cutter Capt. Michael J. Healy in the mid-1880s to the building of the Alaska Highway to the Aleutian Campaign's support of World War II operations in the Pacific, the military brought support, organization, protection, and, yes, bureaucracy to America's fledgling outpost.

Then there's the geography of the state's far-flung military bases where frigid equipment clamps an icy hold onto bare flesh and nervous glances are cast about for big furry things. Military installations here differ widely--from the tiny Aleutian Chain island of Shemya where little-known Eareckson Air Station is located, the larger and more accessible Forts Richardson and Wainwright, or the remote radar sites that line the Arctic Ocean in the far north.

The economic impact is huge and for some communities, life sustaining.

THE FAIRBANKS AREA WOULD HAVE SUFFERED A MAJOR BLOW

In 2005, the Base Realignment Act that aimed to consolidate and downsize military operations across the country caught Alaska communities off guard. Had its recommendations been carried out, Fairbanks would have lost Fort Wainwright and with it, families with children attending local schools, consumers, renters, homeowners--close to $4.5 million, according to a 2006 analysis commissioned by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

"It would have been catastrophic," said Ben Stein, who chairs the Military Affairs Committee for the Fairbanks Economic Development Corp. "They realigned the base and did not close it. Now it's a training base."

The committee, a far-sighted FED C project that Stein said was in place when he came to Alaska 30 years ago, addresses any issues with the military that might affect the people of the Northwest Arctic Borough.

"Any commander will tell you that this is the best community they have ever worked with," Stein said. "Every day, I'm in contact with someone over something."

A DELICATE BALANCE IN THE INTERIOR

Boeing, the prime contractor for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program at Fort Greely, is providing high-paying jobs in the area. Delta Junction City Manager Mike Tvenge said relations with the military have vastly improved over the last 10 years.

"The missile defense activity has definitely provided jobs for our local community," he said.

Fort Richardson Environmental Attorney Wes...