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Schenectady, N.Y., February 25, 2016 — The Capital Region Chamber today joined with Schenectady County and the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority to release a new report which outlines the economic impact of Schenectady’s three military bases. The three installations include the Stratton Air National Guard Base in Glenville, the Horace Bradt Army Reserve Center in Niskayuna and the Navy Operational Support Center in Glenville.
The new study found that the three bases generate 1,087 jobs in Schenectady County with an annual payroll of more than $69 million. Beyond direct payroll and jobs, the facilities produce another $23.9 million in economic output for Schenectady County. In the Capital Region, the bases generate 1,462 jobs with an annual payroll of $83 million.
Charles Steiner, President of the Capital Region Chamber said, “This report is part of our ongoing efforts to highlight the important role these military bases have in our community. These are good-paying, family-supporting jobs and we are fortunate to have these facilities in Schenectady County. We will continue to work with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman Tonko, Governor Cuomo, Empire State Development, Schenectady County, Metroplex and the Towns of Niskayuna and Glenville to keep our bases strong.”
Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “Schenectady County is proud to be the home of an Air National Guard base and two new training facilities for the guard and reserves. The Stratton Air National Guard is one of the most cost-effective and capable military flying units in the nation providing support to both military and scientific missions. We will continue our unified efforts to protect these vital missions and jobs in Schenectady County.”
Empire State Development and Metroplex funded the new study, which was performed by Camoin Associates based in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Other key findings include:
- Military personnel living in Schenectady County spend approximately $10.5 million annually in the county on food, clothing, transportation, and other everyday needs.
- Personnel living outside of the county also provide a major economic benefit to Schenectady County when they come to the installations to work, drill, or train. The report found that personnel living outside of Schenectady County generate a significant annual economic impact for the county of 143 jobs, $3.3 million in earnings and $8.4 million in economic output.
- For every one full-time job on-site at the installations, there is approximately one job elsewhere in the Capital Region generated because of the installations. These jobs are created because of spending at local businesses that would not occur but for the presence of the military bases.
- Schenectady County receives $2 million in annual revenue due to the three bases and Schenectady County businesses received contracts worth over $2 million each year.
- The report also profiles the various jobs performed by base personnel and how these employees work in and contribute to the local communities in which they serve.
The Capital Region Chamber coordinates the activities of the Unified Military Affairs Council, which supports missions and jobs at military installations in the Capital Region.
Schenectady County Military Facilities
Stratton Air National Guard Base
Stratton Air National Guard Base is located at the Schenectady County Airport. The base is home to the 109th Airlift Wing, which flies ski-equipped C-130 aircraft to Greenland, the Arctic Ice Cap and Antarctica.
Navy Operational Support Center
The Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC), also located at the Schenectady County Airport, provides training and administrative support to eight Navy Reserve Units. The New York Air National Guard also has three units housed at the facility in Glenville. The facility is a modern $20 million training center.
SSG Horace D. Bradt Army Reserve Center
The Army Reserve Center (ARC) is located at the Niskayuna Commerce Park. The new facility was completed in 2014 at a cost of $20 million. The ARC is home to 12 Army Reserve units.
The full report may be found here.
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