CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB) – A new study shows that Westover has pumped in several hundred thousand more dollars into the local economy.
Westover Cost and Management Analyst Dan McCarthy says that for fiscal year 2012, the 439th Airlift Wing poured just under $238 million into the economy of communities within a 50-mile radius of Westover.
That figure marks about a $400,000 increase from the year prior.
“As one of the largest employers in the area, Westover’s success is Western Massachusetts’ success. The jobs that make this base run well also help local economies to run well,” said the 439th’s commander Colonel Steven Vautrain.
McCarthy adds that there was a decrease of $1 million in military, civilian, contract worker payroll, primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of extra days reservists worked last year.
There was also a net decrease of $4 million in services, which were offset by $5.5 million increase in construction funding.
The 439th employs over 3,900 people, comprised of about 2,800 reservists, 766 federal employees, and 310 non-appropriated fund and contract employees.
McCarthy notes that the estimated value of indirect jobs created by the base rose to $4.6 million.
