In fiscal year 2017, Minot AFB had an impact of $580.4 million. From fiscal year 2014-2018, the base’s economic impact on the local area reaches $2.8 billion.

2nd Lt. Trevor Violette, budget officer for the 5th Comptroller Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, presented the fiscal year 2018 economic impact report at the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee meeting in the Grand Hotel, Minot, on Thursday.

Violette said the fiscal year 2018 economic impact was slightly lower than in fiscal year 2017. He said key factors were a decrease in construction projects and offsetting 23 percent increase in other procurements such as health care services and education services.

The economic data is calculated on regulations from the Air Force and is current as of Sept. 30, 2018. It is calculated with the annual payroll of the base, annual expenditures for construction, contracts and other procurements, and the value of indirect jobs created.

Submitted Photo Staff Sgt. Symphony Leyk, 5th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School Instructor, hands out envelopes to class leaders, at Minot Air Force Base on Jan. 15, shown in this photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Ley.

The annual payroll of the base in fiscal year 2018 totaled $361.4 million including $306 million for military and $55 million for civilians.

Annual construction, contracts and other procurements totaled $87.4 million. Violette said this was driven by a slight decrease in construction projects.

The base spends money in the local community to keep the base running in its various areas. For example, the commissary spent $1.8 million and the Exchange spent $47,538 in the local area. Health care services through TRICARE totaled $21 million. The amount paid for education services also is significant, coming to a total of $9 million.

Indirect jobs show how the money ripples through the local economy. The total number of indirect jobs created was 1,985 in fiscal year 2018 with a dollar value of indirect jobs at $94.2 million.

As of Sept. 30, 2018, Minot AFB had a total population of 12,423 people, an increase due to more family members than in 2017 when the total population was 12,195. The total number includes military members, family members and civilian employees.

The Minot area also has 1,442 military retirees with a gross payroll of $33.1 million. “These dollars also contribute to the economic well being of the Minot community,” Violette said.

“The bottom line: Minot Air Force Base will continue to have a positive economic impact on the city of Minot and surrounding communities in FY19 and beyond,” Violette said.

He said the airmen at Minot Air Force Base greatly appreciate the support of Minot and surrounding communities that can’t be measured in dollars alone.