Col. Eric Froehlich, Kirtland installation commander, released the 2014 edition of the Kirtland Economic Impact Statement in the Report to the Community address Aug. 18.
The economic impact of Kirtland on New Mexico is reviewed annually after closing each fiscal year, and a statement is presented every two years.
The total economic impact of Kirtland, including its mission partners, the Department of Energy and Sandia National Laboratories, was $7.6 billion in fiscal year 2014. Albuquerque and areas within 50 miles of the base receive a direct economic impact of $3.8 billion yearly.
The report notes the base employs more than 20,000 including uniformed military members, federal civilians, and contract workers. The annual payroll is $2.1 billion for those directly employed by the base, which positively cascades across the state.
"Kirtland and the professionals employed on our base have a positive influence on Albuquerque and surrounding communities," Froehlich said. "Our 20,000 employees buy homes, pay taxes and support local businesses, generating $3.8 billion in local economic impact. They are active in their communities as leaders and volunteers in civic organizations. We are proud to be part of the greater Albuquerque community, and are grateful for the support we receive in return."
The base covers 51,585 acres southeast of Albuquerque, with 750 miles of roads, and eight installation access gates. Kirtland also sites 772 buildings, comprising 7.7 million square feet of space, including five fire stations, with a value of more than $5.1 billion.
To see the full statement, go to
http://www.kirtland.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-150818-026.pdf.