“We are very excited about the economic impact of this base,” Ms. Combs said at a news conference Wednesday at Fort Hood’s III Corps Headquarters. “What’s good for Fort Hood is awfully good for the state of Texas.”

Ms. Combs, who was joined by III Corps commander Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, said the $10.9 billion figure was significantly higher than the $6.1 billion estimate provided by the comptroller’s office in 2004.

Ms. Combs said the economic impact numbers include $4.4 billion in direct expenditures, which includes military and civilian payroll, contracts and purchases, and construction costs.

When coupled with $6.5 billion in indirect impact numbers from Fort Hood’s spending, Ms. Combs estimated the total impact on the region’s economy to be $7.1 billion and $10.9 billion statewide.

She attributed the increase in economic impact to the growth in the Texas economy and the rapid growth of Fort Hood in recent years that still continues.

According to recent figures provided by III Corps, there are more than 52,000 soldiers assigned to Fort Hood, which does not include an estimated 70,000 spouses and children who may reside on post, as well as more than 12,000 civilian and contract employees.

“We operate one of the largest and most diverse military posts in the world,” Odierno said. “In fact, one out of every 10 U.S. Army active soldiers reside at Fort Hood, Texas.”

Odierno, who introduced Ms. Combs, said he has personally seen the growth of the local economy during his numerous tours at Fort Hood.

Odierno said the economic future of the post and the Central Texas area looks brighter still because of the anticipation of more than 3,000 troops expected before 2011, and even more based on the growth of the Army expected by 2013.

“We have an exceptional relationship with Central Texas and the surrounding local communities, and I’d like to thank them for their unwavering support of our soldiers and our family members. In my opinion, that is what makes Fort Hood ‘the great place’ and a special place to be assigned,” Odierno said.

Economic development officials said the growth at the post has resulted in numerous businesses related to the defense industry coming to Killeen and the surrounding area.

In addition, the growth has brought in new businesses, ranging from restaurants to hotels.

John Crutchfield, who serves on the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, said such an announcement from Combs and Odierno would help spur even more economic growth in Killeen and Bell County.

“Anytime you can publicize the kind of growth we have in the region it’s a good thing,” Crutchfield said. “Most investors don’t recognize the kind of growth we have. A release such as this can really illustrate that there is a lot of growth and a lot of opportunity here.”

Crutchfield said the Chamber is always in discussions with a number of businesses and investors who’ve shown an interest in coming to Killeen.

Crutchfield said the Chamber has been in discussions with one developer in particular.

Crutchfield, who declined to name the developer, said their presence in Killeen would make a significant economic impact to the community if a deal can be reached.

It’s getting closer by the day. It’s in the planning stages and it’s going to happen,” Crutchfield said.