INL records nearly $2 billion impact on Idaho economy
Idaho National Laboratory operations had a $1.94 billion impact on Idaho’s gross domestic product in fiscal year 2017. According to a new report, the laboratory spent $139 million with Idaho businesses.
The INL Research and Development Economic Impact Summary found the INL directly employed an average 4,256 workers during the year. Battelle Energy Alliance is Idaho’s sixth-largest private employer and ninth-largest employer when compared to all public and private businesses.
INL operations accounted for 12, 027 jobs across the state, which was up by 6.7 percent over fiscal year 2016.
The summary also found that INL increased personal income in Idaho by $862 million, accounting for 1.3 percent of all personal income in the state.
Nearly $935 million of economic output was generated through INL suppliers and employee household spending.
INL spent $139 million with Idaho subcontractors throughout the state.
The report also found that Battelle Energy Alliance employees contributed more than $610,000 in charitable donations during the year.
“It’s rewarding to see the positive impact we have on Idaho’s economy,” INL Director Mark Peters said. “Ultimately, that means we are improving the lives of all Idahoans and their communities.”
The annual summary report was prepared by the Rexburg-based Research & Business Development Center. You can see the report here.
The economic impacts identified in the report only include operations managed by Battelle Energy Alliance and do not include the impacts of the U.S. Department of Energy cleanup contractor, the DOE itself, or the Naval Reactors Facility.
