Decision maker – Lon Wyrick

Thurston County has weathered the economic downturn thanks to the federal government. That was the assessment by Lon Wyrick, executive director of the Thurston Regional Planning Council.

While state government has made substantial cutbacks in the local economy, the federal government has increased its spending in Thurston County, Wyrick said. Joint Base Lewis McChord is the largest military base in the Western United States and now has an annual payroll of $3.2 billion. Since only 30 percent of all military personnel live on base, the rest live in civilian housing, some of it in Thurston County, primarily in the Lacey area.

Total personnel including soldiers, airmen, dependents, employees, and contractors is 136,000 with an additional 118,000 retirees.

JBLM also has undergone, or will undergo, nearly $4 billion in new construction from 2009 to 2016.

Wyrick made his comments on Decision Makers, Tuesday at Two on KGY Radio 1240 AM. Host of the show is Ken Balsley. Next week’s guest will be Dr. Riley Moore, associate professor of business and economics at St. Martin’s University.