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A study by national consulting firm Tripp Umbach found the University of Missouri System contributes $5.4 billion yearly to the state's economy.
The figure includes payroll and benefits, taxes paid to local and state governments, spending by students, community benefits and visitor expenses.
“Given that our annual appropriations from the state are approximately $400 million each year, this means that taxpayers are receiving a return on their investment of 13.5 to 1, an impressive number,” said Mark McIntosh, UM System vice president of research and economic development.
Read more from Missourinet.
A safe room and classroom addition at Willard Central Elementary School will be used by the music, arts and athletic programs for a district that had 4,536 students last year, according to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education figures, but school officials say enrollment is projected to grow.