Fort Drum 2008 Regional Economic Impact Statement

The local economic impact of the U.S. Army's base at Fort Drum in the 48th Senate District has grown significantly since the the former Camp Drum was expanded more than 20 years ago. Fort Drum is a prominent fiber in the fabric of the Northern New York community. The installation provides employment for more than 4,000 area residents and millions of dollars in trade for local businesses. Soldiers and their Family members receive medical care from local health care providers and enroll in local schools and colleges. Staunch community support by way of programs such as Project Strong Communities and Operation Yellow Ribbon further connect our military and civilian communities. The resulting economic and social impact benefits not only Northern New York, but New York State as well. According to this study by the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office at Fort Drum and distributed by the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization the total local economic impact of Fort Drum was close to $1.683 billion in 2008, compared to more than $1,463 billion in 2007. Over the past 20 years, the base has contributed more than $12.26 billion to the local economy, making it the largest economic engine in Jefferson County.