Buckley’s economic impact increases $18 million Published Jan. 17, 2007 BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The base's economic impact to the City of Aurora and the surrounding community increased by $18 million last year and remains above the $1 billion mark for the third year in a row. According to the 460th Comptroller Squadron, Buckley's impact for fiscal year 2006 is at $1,090,906,789. The fiscal year ran from Oct. 1, 2005 to Sept. 30, 2006. Buckley's annual payroll paid more $409.41 million to Department of Defense personnel and $211.38 million to contractors and non-appropriated fund civilians, who include workers at the Base Exchange, commissary and private businesses operating at or on the base. "We're both proud and fortunate to be economic partners with a community that gives us such tremendous support," said Col. Dave Ziegler, 406th Space Wing and Buckley base commander. The base spent $79.48 million in construction contracts and activities during the past year. The addition of the second child development center, Army aviation support facility and other projects all contributed to Buckley's economic impact. With more than three dozen tenant organizations on the installation, Buckley continues to be the fastest growing Air Force base in the nation. It provides everything from family services for military members and their families to superior global surveillance, worldwide missile warning and expeditionary forces for combatant commanders, and support to Homeland Defense missions. It is inferred that Buckley contributed to the creation of 6,137 jobs in the community, which added approximately $290.10 million to the local economy. In addition to construction, indirect jobs and payroll dollars, the base contributed to the local area by purchasing goods and services from businesses throughout the Front Range community. The commissary spent $12.19 million, the Base Exchange $170, 958 and locally-provided health care added up to $12.42 million. Service contracts were at $43.96 million. Education costs for local training was at $1.06 million, travel costs were at $647,000 and more than $30.04 million was spent on actual materials, supplies and equipment.