Can David and Goliath get along? Federal land in local places

It is often unclear what the role of a local jurisdiction is with regard to land use management on nearby federal properties. Yet federal lands clearl y impact nearby local communities. The US Department of Energy (DOE), with over 100 sites across the United States with varying degrees of environment al contamination, may be in a very difficult position with regard to relati onships with local government about land use. Yet few, if any, studies have examined DOE land use issues. This study asks: (1) In general, how do loca l planners feel about federal government relationships with them? (2) Do lo cal planners feel differently about the DOE than they do about other federa l agencies? (3) What reasons explain any differences observed in answer to the second question? To answer these questions, local planners were intervi ewed from communities adjacent to non-DOE federal properties, and their res ponses compared to those of planners located near DOE facilities in the sam e regions. Findings showed that compared to other federal agencies that own land in the same regions, the DOE is relatively poorer at actively involvi ng local officials in land use decisions at its sites. Primary reasons are the historic legacy of a culture of secrecy, focus on mission, and especial ly the lack of experience, training, or mandates in local planning cooperat ion. Findings also suggest that this attitude is markedly stronger in areas west of the Rocky Mountains. Recommendations for improved federal-local co mmunications include the development of a vision for local government invol vement that is supported by top levels of management and filtered effective ly to the site level.