| This study develops a new approach for redevelopment planning in the nuclear regions dependent on the U.S. Department of Energy's (U.S.DOE) Environmental Management program. By examining indicators of regional capacity, planners in these regions may better understand the available social, political and cultural resources. Regional capacity refers to the degree of development of social networks and institutions that facilitate growth. Regions with a high degree of regional capacity will be better equipped to face economically adverse events such as the reduction of federal government spending. After defining regional capacity, this study compares it to three other approaches to regional planning: regional science, political economy and the new regionalism. Unlike social capital, regional capacity is somewhat tangible and 40 indicators of regional capacity are presented. Based upon data availability and comprehensiveness, ten indicators are chosen for analysis including: racial integration, wealth, government planning, workforce development, voluntary associations, quality of life, skills diversity, spaces of interaction, cultural diversity and effective social networks. U.S.DOE activities are hypothesized to have more negative than positive effects on regional capacity. This hypothesis is tested by comparing the levels of the regional capacity indicators in U.S.DOE regions to the levels found in nearby non-DOE regions and to the U.S. average. The Savannah River Site (Augusta, GA) region is compared to the Columbia, SC. The Oak Ridge Site (Knoxville, TN) region is compared to Chattanooga, TN. Both the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Lab (Idaho Falls, ID) region and the Hanford Site (Richland, WA) are compared to Boise, ID. Indicators showed the three more rural U.S.DOE regions to be lagging their matched non-DOE region. Interviews conducted in the regions with regional development actors generally confirmed the indicator findings except in the Knoxville region. Furthermore, the interviews led to the development of a policy menu listing possible policies to address a shortfall in any of the ten indicators. While promising, the regional capacity approach requires further testing of indicators and more evaluation of which planning policies will address regional capacity shortfalls. Policy recommendations are developed for the four U.S.DOE regions. |
