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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 7, 2007

Senators Schumer And Clinton Announce Congressional Panel Approval Of $27 Million In Military Construction Funding For Armed Forces Reserve Center At Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

Funding Included in Veterans Affairs and Military Construction Appropriations Bill Approved by Conference Committee

Washington, DC – Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton announced today that a Joint House-Senate Conference Committee has approved the Fiscal Year 2008 Veterans Affairs and Military Construction Appropriations bill, which includes $27 million in military construction funding for an Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

The funding confirms what was proposed in the President’s Fiscal Year 2008 Budget. The bill, having been approved by the Conference Committee, must now be approved by both chambers of Congress. If it is passed by the House and Senate it will then be sent to the President for his signature.

“This is terrific news—we’ve cleared another hurdle in the appropriations process, and are that much closer to ensuring that the troops at Niagara Air Reserve Base have the best facilities and latest equipment,” said Senator Schumer. “I will keep fighting tooth and nail for increased funding for Niagara, as it is vital to the base, to the region and our national defense.”

“I am pleased that we have moved one step closer to securing these vital funds for the Niagara Air Reserve base,” Senator Clinton said. “I look forward to the President signing this bill into law, which will greatly benefit our service-members and the local economy.”

The funds will help construct new facilities on the base, which will include administrative and organizational buildings designed to house headquarters, classrooms, arms rooms, logistics/supply rooms, motor-pools, and maintenance bays. When these facilities are completed, units will have modern and revitalized facilities from which to support their missions. There are approximately 100 AFRC units being built nation-wide to support the BRAC consolidation plan.

The funding approved for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station marks the continuation of Senator Schumer and Clinton’s commitment to keeping the facility running to its full potential and to further ensuring the station’s future.

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