In Allen County, activities surrounding Indiana’s Air National Guard 122nd Fighter Wing make a tremendous impact on the state and local economy. Some folks have a misconception about the National Guard being only a part-time employer, but that’s not an accurate representation of the unit’s true stance as an economic generator. The reality is much bigger than one might expect, and it may grow even stronger in the coming years as the unit sets out to upgrade its fighting fleet.
Multimillion Dollar Impact
Recent data from the Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Community Research Institute on behalf of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. shows just how far the 122nd Fighter Wing’s economic impact really goes. The researchers described their findings on multiple levels, including local, regional, and statewide. They also measured the direct, indirect, and induced impact of the 122nd.
Within Allen County, the local spending of the 122nd is estimated at $63.5 million, and $94.1 million across the 10 northeastern counties of Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District. Statewide, the base’s economic impact is estimated to total $113 million. This spending includes operational expenditures such as employee payroll and benefits, utilities and maintenance, food, lodging, and education.