A report recently commissioned by the state Office of Financial Management found the states bases support 188,000 jobs per year, resulting in $7.3 billion in earnings.
Gov. Gary Locke Tuesday said the number is significant for the local economy.
Washingtons military bases are not only vital to the defense of our nation, they are also critical to the economic health of our state, he said.
The study found that military bases contribute significantly to economic activity throughout the state.
In Pierce County, 30 percent of economic activity comes from military bases. In other counties, the percentage is even higher. In Island County, its 88 percent and 54 percent in Kitsap County. Five percent of economic activity in Snohomish County is related to the military.
In King County alone, businesses sold $174 million to bases statewide, the report said.
