October 20, 2006                                     

Contact: Joe Monaco (785) 296-3760                                                                        

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RELEASES STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN

AND GROWTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY OF FORT RILEY AREA

The Fort Riley area can expect a population increase of about 30,000 in the next few years as a result of nationwide military base realignments orders.

That’s according to a new report sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce and released Oct. 18 at two public meetings in Fort Riley. Commissioned to RKG and Associates, the report also projects the creation of an additional 20,000 new jobs in the Fort Riley area, including 5,000 to 6,000 secondary jobs on top of direct military-related employment. The area’s Gross Regional Product will increase by $750 million – marking a 22 percent increase – and disposable income will grow by $600 million, or 20 percent.

“We have known for some time that the Fort Riley area would be seeing a dramatic increase in population,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Fricke. “This new report gives us a better idea of what kind of population growth we can expect, and it will serve as an important tool for policymakers and economic development specialists as they evaluate the economic, employment and social service impacts of growth and military expansion.”

The report also suggests that the existing retail market will grow dramatically as regional spending power increases.  The demand is expected to support an additional 400,000 to 550,000 square feet of retail space over the next few years. Further commercial space will be required for business and other services.

The report was guided by state and local officials, Department of Defense and Army personnel, chamber and economic development executives, Military Affairs Council staff and Commerce associates. The Kansas Department of Commerce obtained funding for the report from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Final copies of the report will be made available in the next few weeks and posted on the Department of Commerce’s Web site at www.kansascommerce.com.

© Heartland Works, Inc. All rights reserved.