FORT DRUM, NY – The installation’s direct economic impact to the North Country grew despite the global pandemic, as outlined in the post’s annual report just released for 2020.
A detailed review of Fort Drum’s economic impact on the tri-county area over the last fiscal year indicates growth of approximately 8% with more than $1.4 billion infused into the local economy. Since fiscal year 1988, local support to this installation has enabled steady growth in training opportunities and readiness with a total cumulative investment by the Department of Defense of more than $28 billion.
“We are proud of the fact that Fort Drum is a premier training location for U.S. Army and countless National Guard, Reserve, Air National Guard, and United States Marine Corps units in the region. Our partnership with the North Country community is second to none and knowing we are making such a tremendous impact on the local economy reiterates to me how important Fort Drum is to our nation’s security,” said Major General Brian J. Mennes, Commanding General, Fort Drum & the 10th Mountain Division.
By far, the greatest impact is made through paychecks. Fort Drum is the largest single site employer in the area with payrolls from military, civilian, contractor and retirees totaling $1,235,197,212. More than 30,000 Soldiers and family members call Northern New York home.
“We are grateful for the strong partnerships we have with the school districts, local governments, medical facilities which provide first rate care to our Soldiers and families, and the local police authorities who help create a safe environment for us,” added Major General Mennes.
During the past year, Fort Drum’s strong partnership with schools has proved invaluable as we all worked to navigate distance-learning. Area school districts received $41,411,597 for federal impact aid in FY20 as a direct result of military students here attending school at off-post local districts as opposed to DoD-run schools on post.
“While we are highlighting our economic impact in this report, we would be remiss if we didn’t also shine a light on the impact the community has on nearly every aspect of what we do,” said Colonel Jeffery P. Lucas, Fort Drum Garrison Commander.
“From teaching our children, to providing the civilian workforce, to being the sort of neighbors who support our Soldiers and Families, both at home and deployed, the value the community provides to us is much harder to put a dollar amount against, but is at least – if not more – impactful,” Colonel Lucas added.
Sustainability is the key to economic impact longevity, and Fort Drum’s environmental stewards are working hard to ensure a long, healthy future for the installation. In fiscal year 2020, Fort Drum recycled more than 4,992 tons of municipal solid waste, and 22,667 tons of construction and demolition debris.
“We think there is no better place to train world-class Soldiers than right here and we look forward to being contributing members of this great community for a long time to come,” said Colonel Lucas.
Read the entire 2020 Fort Drum Economic Impact Statement by following this link:
https://home.army.mil/drum/