Schumer, Clinton: Senate Approves $990,000 for Gabreski Airport in Westhampton

SCHUMER, CLINTON: SENATE APPROVES $990,000 FOR GABRESKI AIRPORT IN WESTHAMPTON

Funding part of Department of Defense Military Construction Appropriations approved by the Senate

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton announced today that the Senate has given preliminary approval for $990,000 in planning and design funds for a Pararescue Readiness Facility at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton.

The news came as the Senate approved the FY 2005 Department of Defense Military Construction bill late Monday night. With the its passage by the Senate, the bill will now go into conference with the House version before being approved by Congress.

"From World War II to the Korean War to the Cold War, Gabreski Airport's unique location has made it key to defending both our region and our nation and protecting those traveling the Atlantic Ocean," Schumer said. "The bottom line is that there just isn't space at Gabreski for a first-rare parachute rescue operation anymore, but almost a million dollars will go a long way toward remedying that."

"I was honored to meet the skillful airmen and women of the 106th Rescue Wing last month. They have a critically important military mission - saving lives and they are a true asset to Long Island, to New York and to the entire country. These funds are a vital step forward in continuing to insure that the 106th rescue wing will have the proper training equipment for the life saving rescues they perform," Senator Clinton said.