The loss of 2,345 personnel at Fort Riley 2015 to 2017 has prompted a study by the Matrix Design Group on the economic impact on the region, and possible impact is further reductions should ever occur….a what if scenario.

Key recommendations received by local officials in the economic analysis range from working at local, state and federal levels to protect and expand the region’s defense economy to increasing the career readiness training, job placement and retention of personnel separating from the military at Fort Riley throughout the region.

Junction City Mayor Mick McCallister said it will take a continued effort to ensure that Fort Riley remains the region’s economic driver and that they stay here. “It’s going to take an extraordinary effort like we have all along to ensure that Fort Riley is our biggest economic driver, and that they stay here. It’s going to take money to do that. ”

McCallister added it will take funding of the Flint Hills region, private money, and partnerships. “It’s something that we have to continue to do and keep beating that drum. Everything that they told us we already know. But we haven’t taken action.

Matrix Design officials outlined their recommendations during public meetings in Junction City and Manhattan. Some of the others included leveraging data collected from the state’s Defense Supply Chain mapping exercise to conduct a comprehensive economic impact assessment of the Kansas defense economy, to developing of a regional economic development fund to assist in funding regional studies, workforce development programs, business recruitment incentives, grant opportunities and other economic and community development programs.