The public can learn about the recommendations from the Matrix Design Group for mitigating economic impacts of past force reductions at Fort Riley, and “what if” recommendations for potential future reductions during public meetings scheduled October 17 and 18.

The meeting on October 17 is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library in Junction City, and on October 18 at the Manhattan Public Library Auditorium from 10 a.m. until noon.

The US Army announced force structure reductions at Fort Riley in July of 2015. That reduction, combined with earlier force reductions resulted in a total loss of 2,345 personnel. The Flint Hills Regional Council received a $294, 653 federal grant to perform an economic impact analysis, and Matrix Design Group was hired in March of this year to conduct the analysis. The grant was through the US Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.

Matrix Design Group has completed the final draft of the Regional Community Economic Impact Analysis for the Flint Hills Region. The recommendations will give the communities of the Flint Hills region insights into future economic development efforts, whether or not there are future changes at Fort Riley. The Post and veteran expenditures account for half of the region’s $10 billion economy.