Published: 05-13-08
Growth Expected To Continue Business Expansion and Expenditures
Fort Hood has an economic impact of $10.9 billion on the Texas economy according to a report released today by the Texas Comptroller.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs joined Lt. General Raymond T. Odierno the commanding General of U.S. III Corps at a Fort Hood press conference to provide the results of the analysis that showed the importance of the country’s largest military base to the state of Texas.
“Fort Hood’s economic importance to the state continues to grow” Combs said in a letter prior to the press conference. “This estimate reflects the sizeable growth in direct Fort Hood expenditures and the impact of Fort Hood on both the Central Texas region and the state.”
Combs attributed the increase in economic impact to the growth in the Texas economy and the rapid growth of Fort Hood in recent years. She said Fort Hood’s impact on the state is expected to continue to grow.
Figures from the Comptroller’s office detail $4.4 billion in direct expenditures from Fort Hood including military and civilian payrolls; contracts and purchases; constructions costs; expenditures on school district impact aid and environmental initiatives. That’s an increase of 45.8 percent from the $3 billion direct impact Fort Hood had on Texas in 2004.
When indirect impacts of Fort Hood’s spending are considered the statewide impact is nearly $10.9 billion 78.3 percent higher than the $6.1 billion impact the state showed in 2004.
Economic development officials said the growth at the base has resulted in numerous businesses related to the defense industry locating in Killeen and the surrounding area. In addition the growth has brought in new businesses ranging from restaurants to hotels.
“We always have been very proud to be the home of the largest business in Texas” said Bill Kliewer president of the Killeen Economic Development Corporation. “The fact that new figures show Fort Hood has an annual impact of $10.90 billion on the state’s economy makes that even more meaningful.”
According to the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance there are 53000 soldiers assigned to Fort Hood and the base employees 5100 Department of Army civilians and 9200 service and contract employees.
The Army base’s growth drew praise from area civic and political leaders.
“Our regional communities have taken great measures to promote regional economic growth and to ensure our soldiers and their families are provided with all the resources and services they may need tin the future” said U.S. Congressman John Carter who represents Fort Hood in the U.S. Capital.
“We will continue to support that which is good for Fort Hood and especially for those in uniform who serve there and for their families” said State Sen. Troy Fraser R- Horseshoe Bay who represents the base in the Texas Senate.
“What an asset Fort Hood is to the people I serve” said State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock R-Killeen. “But it is equally so to the rest of the State of Texas and to the nation as well.”
“Fort Hood and its people are the heart and soul of Central Texas and the latest economic impact figures make it one of the most vital institutions in the State of Texas to say nothing of its role on the national scene” said Bill Shine chair of the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance.
Fort Hood is a 340 square mile installation that includes 217337 acres and is the only post in the United States capable of stationing and training two Armored Divisions.
