LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Hampton Roads' unemployment rate in June was 7.2 percent, which is lower than the national average of 9.5 percent, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"In 2008, Langley impacted the local economy with $1.2 billion in spending, down from $1.6 billion in 2005, a $400 million decline," said Bruce Sturk, Federal Facility Support director. "However, looking at the recent state of the economy, we are fortunate to have a federal footprint like we have, compared to the rest of the country."
Over the years, jobs have originated from the active-military presence and contracting force supporting federal installations, he said.
"Langley Air Force Base has had a long-standing relationship with the city of Hampton and the Hampton Roads region, going back well over 90 years," said Mr. Sturk. "The federal military installations we have here have had significant impacts to the economy, work force and creating jobs."
Langley's location also brings in out-of-town business for local restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls, as friends and families flock to the Hampton Roads area for the annual air show.
"One of the great partnership relations with Langley has been the air show," said Mr. Sturk. "It draws people in the tens of thousands from across the country to the local area."
According to an economic impact analysis from Oct. 1, 2007 to Sept. 30, 2008, Langley has sustained or created 6,580 civilian and contracting jobs, with an average annual pay of $30,823.