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As Maryland and many other states are hard at work determining the local economic impact of President Barack Obama's $787 billion federal stimulus package, I am reminded of U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski's recent, insightful comments concerning the "everyday stimulus" effect that Maryland's federal and military facilities have on the state's bottom line.

Together, these powerful yet often-overlooked economic engines are driving Maryland's knowledge-based economy and helping us outperform most states and national averages during a global recession.

Today, Maryland is home to nearly 50 federal facilities, where more than 100,000 well-educated, highly skilled government employees and contractors are pioneering space exploration, performing cutting-edge research, and advancing scientific, medical and technological innovations to make our nation safer and stronger.

All told, these facilities have an estimated $16 billion annual economic impact on Maryland's economy.

Maryland's 12 military installations pack an economic punch of their own, employing 90,000 civilian and military workers statewide. Add to that the 60,000 jobs coming to Maryland as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure process, and Maryland's military industry could soon be worth a staggering $23 billion annually, while bringing about the largest single employment spike since World War II.

Considering the significant economic impact of our federal and military partners, we must begin to rethink how state and local governments could work collaboratively to help them thrive within our borders.

To that end, Gov. Martin O'Malley will soon announce Maryland's first Federal Facilities Task Force, a diverse and impressive body of government and industry leaders who will guide these important discussions.

Given that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allots $230 billion for renovating federal facilities nationwide, one of the task force's first and most important charges will be to identify and maximize new contract opportunities for Maryland businesses, create jobs and improve the surrounding communities.

In these challenging economic times, we must do more than ever to nurture this vital sector of Maryland's economy while supporting the critical, often life-saving missions of our federal and military partners.

Maryland's economic future, and to some degree the very future of our nation, depends upon it.

Christian S. Johansson is acting secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.