Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

There have been a lot of reports and articles in the newspaper and on television about the growth at Fort Bliss and what it will mean to the local and surrounding communities. There have been briefings, discussions and a lot of rumors. In this week’s column, I will share some information with you to help put the growth picture in perspective.
A recent University of Texas study on the growth of Fort Bliss indicated there would be a tremendous impact to El Paso and the surrounding communities during the next five to six years. The study also stated that the impact will continue well beyond that six-year timeframe. In fact, the study predicts that in 2013 and beyond, the growth will result in a $3.7 billion dollar increase in total annual economic output.

The annual payroll for active-duty Soldiers in 2007 alone amounts to approximately $528 million, and with the increase in numbers to more than 30,000 Soldiers, it is expected to grow to more than $1 billion annually by 2012. Military construction will add another $2.58 billon during the next five years. The study estimated $21.7 billion in additional economic impact that includes labor incomeof $13.9 billion, income from property taxes of $227 million, and more than $50 million in new sales tax revenue. This growth would bring more than 40,000 new jobs to the area, according to the study.

Economic growth is always good news. However, there are many other community-related factors that are also being addressed. When another 50,000 to 60,000 people, which includes Soldiers and families, are added to a community, along with a steady growth in local population, the need for housing, schools and other services is multiplied many times over. The El Paso community, local, state and national leaders all worked together to bring this growth to the region. The local school districts, realtors, home builders and other service providers are all on the team. They are working diligently to see that the infrastructure to support this growth is in place in the community, as we are doing here.

I am confident that the good citizens of El Paso, who more than any other community I know of, support Soldiers and their families and will continue to do all they can to have the best schools, the best teachers and the more than 13,000 quality homes and apartments, which will be needed in the next five years. Student population will grow from the current 8,800 to an end state of more than 16,500, based on a standard model to indicate growth. The partnerships we have with all the entities, here and in the local community, will make this phased-in growth a smooth and efficient transition, which will benefit all during the next five to six years and well into the future.

Maj. Gen. Robert P. Lennox
Fort Bliss Commanding General



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	May 3, 2007

	Troop Talk There have been a lot of reports and articles in the newspaper and on television about the growth at Fort Bliss and what it will mean to the local and surrounding communities. There have been briefings, discussions and a lot of rumors. In this week’s column, I will share some information with you to help put the growth picture in perspective. A recent University of Texas study on the growth of Fort Bliss indicated there would be a tremendous impact to El Paso and the surrounding communities during the next five to six years. The study also stated that the impact will continue well beyond that six-year timeframe. In fact, the study predicts that in 2013 and beyond, the growth will result in a $3.7 billion dollar increase in total annual economic output. The annual payroll for active-duty Soldiers in 2007 alone amounts to approximately $528 million, and with the increase in numbers to more than 30,000 Soldiers, it is expected to grow to more than $1 billion annually by 2012. Military construction will add another $2.58 billon during the next five years. The study estimated $21.7 billion in additional economic impact that includes labor incomeof $13.9 billion, income from property taxes of $227 million, and more than $50 million in new sales tax revenue. This growth would bring more than 40,000 new jobs to the area, according to the study. Economic growth is always good news. However, there are many other community-related factors that are also being addressed. When another 50,000 to 60,000 people, which includes Soldiers and families, are added to a community, along with a steady growth in local population, the need for housing, schools and other services is multiplied many times over. The El Paso community, local, state and national leaders all worked together to bring this growth to the region. The local school districts, realtors, home builders and other service providers are all on the team. They are working diligently to see that the infrastructure to support this growth is in place in the community, as we are doing here. I am confident that the good citizens of El Paso, who more than any other community I know of, support Soldiers and their families and will continue to do all they can to have the best schools, the best teachers and the more than 13,000 quality homes and apartments, which will be needed in the next five years. Student population will grow from the current 8,800 to an end state of more than 16,500, based on a standard model to indicate growth. The partnerships we have with all the entities, here and in the local community, will make this phased-in growth a smooth and efficient transition, which will benefit all during the next five to six years and well into the future. Maj. Gen. Robert P. Lennox Fort Bliss Commanding General