Report: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base a boon for economy
By Brandon Davis
Published in News on April 24, 2017 9:49 AM
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base helped to increase employment for Goldsboro and Wayne County last year with nearly 800 civilians finding jobs with the base.
According to the base's 2016 economic impact report, Seymour Johnson spent $705 million on local expenditures and payroll.
Dr. Scott LaFevers, chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, said the money the base spent last year and the employment opportunities for civilians have helped the city grow with more businesses such as retail stores, restaurants and hotels.
LaFevers said he has seen an increase in jobs for civilians with the base since he became the chair last June.
"I'm happy to see it grow, and it does not surprise me," he said. "I think it's going to continue to grow."
The study showed 4,235 active duty members and 1,602 reservists were listed on the payroll, while 659 appropriated, 61 non-appropriated and 58 Defense Commissary's Agency-appropriated fund civilian positions made up the rest.
"Economically, fiscal year of 2016 was a huge success for Seymour Johnson and the city of Goldsboro," according to the impact report's study.
Military construction, health, operations and maintenance construction, as well as utilities, local procurement and local lodging cost the base $162 million during the fiscal year.
According to the report, a ramp expansion for the base's tankers is currently under construction.
Under the umbrella of health care, the base spent $16,900,000.
Local procurement cost the base $65,137,259, which was used to purchase products from local vendors. Local lodging and per diem cost $7,522,396, which refers to the money spent on airline tickets, lodging, vehicle rental and daily food allowances for official traveling.
According to the report, more than 22,000 Seymour Johnson personnel interacted with the community daily.
"These economic impact details validate the reciprocal relationship between the local area and the base," according to the report. "As one evolves for the better, the other benefits from their successes."
LaFevers said the relationship between the base and the city can be attributed to 4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Christopher Sage, Mayor Chuck Allen, the MAC and the Wayne County School Board's dedication to keep the relationship strong.
"We've been more on the same page than we've ever been," he said. "I think the more we can keep that together, the more transparent we can be, the more it will benefit everybody -- and civilians and airmen will see from it."