That amount is part of the $621.6 million the base contributed to the local economy in fiscal year 2023, a $26.6 million increase from fiscal year 2022 when the base contributed $595 million to the local economy.

Maj. Andrew Triplett, commander of the base’s 5th Comptroller Squadron, presented the annual economic impact report to members of the Minot Area Chamber EDC’s Military Affairs Committee members in Minot in February.

Triplett said there are four goals in presenting the report:

1. Understand the impact of Minot AFB on the local community from the dollar amount.

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Bomb Squadron takes off from the runway at Minot Air Force Base on Feb. 28. Each of the B-52’s eight engines is capable of producing up to 17,000 pounds of thrust, allowing it to fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, while carrying a payload of up to 70,000 pounds. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Wilson.

2. For the civic leaders to use the information to help develop city policies, initiatives and overall community relations.

3. For business leaders, to help them evolve their business operating strategies.

4. To take this information to further strengthen an already strong relationship for Minot AFB and the city of Minot.

Triplett also noted Minot won the Barksdale Trophy in 2023. The trophy is awarded to the community that has provided the highest level of community support to an Air Force base in Air Force Global Strike Command over the preceding 24 months. Minot also won the trophy in 2019. Barksdale Forward, Inc., manages the award program on behalf of the communities of Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana. Air Force Global Strike Command is headquartered at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana.

Taking a look at Minot AFB’s property, Triplett said the base consists of more than 5,300 acres of land. He said there’s also more than 19,000 acres of rights-of-way easements that make up the missile complex in the region.

Airman 1st Class Houston Miller, 5th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance (ASM) apprentice, grinds a titanium plate at Minot Air Force on Oct. 17, 2023. ASM specialists are responsible for performing repairs and maintaining the structural integrity of Minot Air Force Base’s fleet of B-52H Stratofortresses. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Wilson.

The base includes 474 industrial buildings and 1,440 family housing units, along with dormitories and several temporary lodging facilities.

“It takes a great deal of manpower and resources to operate and maintain all assets associated with the base,” Triplett said.

He said according to the most recent population data for the base, as of Sept. 30, 2023, there were 5,413 military members assigned to Minot AFB. Of that number, 5,391 are active-duty members and 22 are Air Force Reserve members. There are 5,416 family members.

“Civilian employees also make up a significant portion for work at Minot Air Force Base,” Triplett said. The total number of civilians working at the base is 998 (federal employees and others).

He said the combined numbers of military, family members and civilian employees totals 11,827.

Airmen from the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron raise a transport erector to its full height at Minot Air Force Base on July 10, 2023. The airmen used the transport erector to lower an intercontinental ballistic missile III into a missile silo as part of Operation Bullystick. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trust Tate.

Triplett said the annual payroll for all personnel at the base totaled $420.3 million in fiscal year 2023, and much of it stays in the local area.

In the Minot area, 1,995 indirect jobs were created. That number of indirect jobs is determined based on an estimated average annual pay of $58,656, resulting in an estimated annual dollar value of jobs created at more than $117 million.

According to Triplett, the Minot area also has 1,492 military retirees, with a gross payroll of $40.6 million. Their pay is not part of the economic models.

Triplett said key factors contributing to the 2023 economic impact coming in 4.3% higher than in fiscal year 2022 were increases in the total payroll and construction, services and expenditures.

Impact reaches $3 billion

Minot Air Force Base has contributed more than $3 billion to the Minot and area economy since fiscal year 2019.

– Fiscal year 2019: $559.3M

– Fiscal year 2020: $622.4M

– Fiscal year 2021: $606.8M

– Fiscal year 2022: $595M

– Fiscal year 2023: $621.6M