Minot Air Force Base is an important part of the local area.

Each year the release of its annual economic impact analysis is met with great interest.

On Thursday, Maj. Andrew Webb, commander of the 5th Comptroller Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, told community leaders attending the Minot Area Chamber EDC’s Military Affairs Committee that the base contributed more than $606 million into the local economy in fiscal year 2021.

Along with agriculture, oil and gas industry plus other businesses and individuals in the local area, that’s a large amount of money.

The total number was down slightly from fiscal year 2020 when the yearly economic impact was $622.3 million but the fiscal year 2021 number still is quite impressive. By combining each year’s base economic impact, the base has contributed billions of dollars over the years to this area.

Minot AFB’s economic impact comes to the local area in various ways in which those affiliated with the military spend their money here — from purchasing or renting housing to buying vehicles, clothing and other items. The base itself spends money on construction, services and procurements of materials, equipment and supplies.

The number of indirect jobs created shows how the money is playing out in the local area. Webb pointed out more than 2,000 indirect jobs were created in fiscal year 2021 with more than $109 million in value.

The total population of those affiliated with the base who contribute to the economic impact is more than 12,000.

There’s also nearly 1,500 military retirees living in Minot and the local area. They bring in a payroll of more than $34 million. Those retirees are former members of the service branches including Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

It’s certain Minot will continue to have a positive economic impact on the city of Minot and surrounding communities in many years to come.