Clinton, Slaughter, Reynolds Secure Military Pledge to Increase Utilization Of NFARS

Clinton, Slaughter, Reynolds Secure Military Pledge to Increase Utilization Of NFARS

Top Air Force, Guard Officials suggest positive future for Base

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today joined with Rep. Louise M. Slaughter and Rep. Tom Reynolds in securing assurance from top military officials that they will help the 107th Air National Guard Unit transition into an associate relationship with the 914th Air Reserve Airlift Wing.

At a meeting, organized and hosted by Congresswoman Slaughter, Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Chief of the Air Force Reserve, and Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, Chief of the Air National Guard, also pledged to ensure that the Air Reserve and Air Guard will work together to identify ways to bring more C-130 aircraft to the Airbase and to expand the missions of both units housed at the airbase.

General Bradley also committed to look into the planned construction of an Army Regional Readiness Center at Niagara Falls and report back to the delegation on its status. The Regional Readiness Center is a project that could result in a $31 million investment in the base and the creation of even more local jobs.

The Senator and the Representatives had organized the meeting to focus on issues central to the future of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, including how to further utilize the facility and promote the economic security of the Niagara region.

"While we can celebrate the tremendous victory we secured for Niagara during the BRAC process, we must ensure that we continue to fight for the future of the base and that means doing everything we can to help it expand and grow," Senator Clinton said. "This commitment from Lt General Bradley and General James is a significant step in securing the support of the Air Force for the base's future. I am pleased to hear that they share our vision for the facility."

Last month, Senator Clinton also secured a commitment from the then nominee for Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Wynne, to provide full support for the BRAC Commission's recommendations regarding the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base at his nomination hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on October 6th. Mr. Wynne pledged that the 107th Aerial Refueling Wing Guard members will receive training to support the C-130 airlift mission as part of Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard Associate Wing. Senator Clinton also met with Wynne privately on October 5th.

http://clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=248531&&