Applied Research Associates provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement evaluation, and specialized robotic vehicles. Photo courtesy APA.
New Mexico has a strong defense industry due to the presence of two national labs and three air force bases, as well as the Air Force Research Laboratories Directed Energy Directorate and the Space Vehicles Directorate. Because of the strong military presence, which accounts for a large precentage of the state's government jobs, this industry ends up being a major employer in New Mexico. Additionally, other industries such as aviation and aerospace, high-technology, manufacturing and machining, and electronics, heavily support the defense industry and provide numerous opportunities for these industries to work hand in hand.
The recently completed Kitland Air Force Base Study, which was focused on land-use, transportation, and regional economic impact in and around the base, is available online through the Mid-Region Council of Governments website. To learn about the economic impact that Kirtland Airforce Base had on the local ecomony in 2008, check out their Economic Impact Statement.
