The Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), situated on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa, has been a steadfast presence in the Quad Cities for more than 150 years. Originally established in 1862, the Arsenal has grown into a massive hub of manufacturing, logistics, and defense support for the U.S. Army. Today, it’s home to over 6,000 civilian workers, about 250 military personnel, and supports roughly 14,000 jobs through direct and indirect employment. This network impacts a 150-mile radius, and the financial impact is enormous—more than $1 billion each year flows into the local economy as a result of RIA’s operations.
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