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Military's Impact on San Diego Economy

A new analysis of the military’s economic impact on San Diego shows a dramatic increase in the last few years. San Diego now receives more Department of Defense money than any other county in the nat

Military's Impact on San Diego Economy

(Photo: Admiral Christine Hunter;  Jesse Atkinson of UCSD; Major General Mike Lehnert, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations West;  Rear Admiral Len Hering, Commander, Navy Region Southwest; and SDMAC president, Terry Magee announce the results of the latest study of the military’s economic impact on San Diego. Alison St John/KPBS )

A new analysis of the military’s economic impact on San Diego shows a dramatic increase in the last few years. San Diego now receives more Department of Defense money than any other county in the nation. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

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The study projects military related spending in San Diego County will top $24 billion this year, and account for 27 percent of the region’s employment. That compares to a Chamber of Commerce study that showed military related jobs made up 20 percent of San Diego’s employment in 2004.

Terry Magee of Lockheed Martin is president of SDMAC, a private business group that advocates for military interests in San Diego. He says the study, completed by a UCSD consulting group, demonstrates the growing importance of the military to San Diego’s economy.

Magee: It documents what great partners the military and the community are are, we all feel very strongly that this study is the most complete comprehensive and accurate ever done and the San Diego military advisory council’s intent is to use this report for yearly updates. 

The Marine Corp also announced plans to spend $4.7 billion on new construction over the next five years to house marines and upgrade training facilities. Major General Michael Lehnert says the Marine Corp is increasing its force  by 27 thousand, and 4 thousand of those Marines will be stationed in San Diego.

Alison St John KPBS News.