Seventeen-day event at Camp Grafton generated strong local spending, tax revenue and momentum for future defense technology testing
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. - Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) 26-3 brought more than emerging defense technology to Camp Grafton this month. According to economic impact information provided by the T-REX team, the 17-day event generated an estimated $1.4-$1.8 million in direct local spending and a total economic impact of $2.3-$3.0 million to the Devils Lake region.
The event, held August 17-28, 2026, also generated an estimated $100,000-$175,000 in local and state tax revenue. In round numbers, T-REX represented roughly a $2.5 million economic injection over just 17 days.
By the Numbers
17 DAYS August 17-28, 2026 $1.4-$1.8M Direct local spending $2.3-$3.0M Total economic impact to our region $100K-$175K Local + state tax revenue
The impact was visible throughout the community as participants stayed in local hotels, ate in area restaurants, purchased fuel, shopped and used a wide variety of local services. That direct activity also created a broader ripple effect across the regional economy.
“The $2.5 million economic injection is exciting on its own, but I think the bigger story is what this event could lead to next,” said Suzie Kenner, Executive Director of the Devils Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. “Throughout the event, we heard over and over that Camp Grafton has the terrain, space and weather conditions companies need to get their technology out of the laboratory or their own backyard and test it in a completely different, real-world environment. That is an asset for Camp Grafton, and it is an opportunity for our entire region.”
Momentum Already Building for What Comes Next
That next opportunity is already taking shape. GroundBreaker 1, a Joint Unmanned Ground Vehicle demonstration, is slated for mid-October at Camp Grafton. The U.S. military plans to put industry-built robotic ground vehicles through realistic field conditions, with service members evaluating their usability and mission effectiveness.
The demonstration is expected to evaluate systems designed for missions that can include reconnaissance and surveillance, transporting supplies and equipment, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, explosive ordnance disposal, route clearance and force protection. The testing will place an emphasis on capabilities such as all-terrain mobility and autonomous obstacle avoidance - another strong match for the real-world conditions available at Camp Grafton.
For Devils Lake, the continued activity reinforces the potential for Camp Grafton to play a growing role in defense technology testing and development while bringing additional visitors, companies and economic activity to the Lake Region.
“T-REX showed us what 17 days can do,” Kenner said. “If these events lead to return visits, additional testing and new partnerships, the long-term impact could be even more significant. We are excited about the momentum and want Devils Lake and our business community to continue being part of what comes next.”
Connecting the Business Community to Opportunity
During T-REX, the Devils Lake Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a community welcome reception that brought T-REX participants together with local Chamber members, business leaders and community partners. The event was designed to help local businesses learn more about the work taking place at Camp Grafton, build relationships with visiting military and industry partners, and help ensure the broader business community is connected to opportunities developing around the region.
The Chamber thanks the T-REX team, Camp Grafton leadership, participating organizations, local businesses and community partners who helped make the event a success and showcase Devils Lake as a welcoming place to visit, test, innovate and do business.