By M. Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Missouri economic development officials say Pentagon spending on the Iraq war is giving a boost to the state's economy.
The defense industry plays a large role in Missouri's economy, and Department of Economic Development Director Joe Driskill says companies like Boeing are benefiting.
"These companies have received about 820 million dollars in new or modified defense contracts. and over a half a billion of that amount will be spent here in Missouri directly on products produced here."
St. Louis-based Engineered Air Systems and Premcor Refining have also received multimillion-dollar contracts.
Driskill says the defense industry employs about six percent of the state's workforce.