Indian reservations in North Dakota have a significant impact on the economy of that state, according to a study completed by two instructors at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck.

According to Randal Cool and F. Larry Leistritz of the college’s agricultural economics department, North Dakota’s four reservations generated nearly $83 million for the state in 1988. The money came from both federal appropriations and contracts with Indian-owned manufacturing plants.

In turn, this new money— money arriving from out of state— produced almost $252 million in total business activity for North Dakota. This means that for every dollar brought into the state, another $2.04 is generated, according to the researchers.

In addition to the reservations’ economic impact, increased employment and additional tax revenue were also reported. But according to United Tribes College President David Gipp, these figures still do not represent the full economic impact of Native Americans in the state. The tribal colleges and other types of federal aid were not included, for example.

“But it is an important beginning,” he says.