NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — On the heels of a new federal budget, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced Monday a push to secure $50 million worth of improvements at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. He says he'll appear before the military construction committee to ask for the money.
Schumer released the following list of NFARS projects that are long overdue for upgrades:
- Runway extension: Currently, the KC-135s have to back up and turn around in order to get off the runway, causing delays and limiting quick takeoff and landing of missions.
- Main gate security upgrade: The space between the guard station and the barrier is too short and poses a security risk to the base.
- Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Operations Facility: The existing clinic is outdated and is considered beyond repair.
- Explosive Munitions Storage Building: Munitions are not currently in a centralized, feasible location. The new project would include a 1,100 square foot maintenance building, plus three igloos.
- Communications Squadron Building: This building has not been able to keep up with changing technology. The facility cannot handle the electric or the heating/cooling systems they now need.
- Stormwater Management Facility: Current stormwater management could be more environmentally friendly.
- Civil Engineering Building: This building has not been updated since the 1950s.
"In a budget that went up $100 billion for our military, something I greatly support, we should be able to get that $50 million," Schumer (D-NY) said.
The station is the county's largest employer with 2,600 people.