The St. Louis County Economic Council recently received a $269,266 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment, for a planning study related to military, educational, recreational and commercial developments within the Lemay and Jefferson Barracks area of south county.

The Economic Council considers the investment in this area critical to the economic growth and prosperity of the region and will be evaluating how best to ensure the success and impact of increased developments, according to a news release.

“Current military and community investments in and around Jefferson Barracks and the surrounding Lemay community have created momentum for economic growth,” St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley stated in the release. “The study will help uncover and plan for increased economic development opportunities for the area.”

In 2005, under the Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC, the Department of Defense called for the realignment of certain military operations in the St. Louis region, including the Air National Guard units at Jefferson Barracks.

Also as part of BRAC, the Missouri National Guard is expanding its presence at Jefferson Barracks with the construction of a new Army Reserve Center, which will offer training for the Army Reserves and National Guard.

The study will identify community enhancements that will support the expansion at Jefferson Barracks and educational, recreational and entertainment projects in and around the area, according to the news release.