Slaughter Hosts Top Air Force, Guard Officials on Status of Base

Military Officials Pledge to Increase Utilization of NFARS

Washington, DC - Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, organized and hosted a meeting in her Washington office with Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Chief of Air Force Reserve, and Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, Chief of the Air National Guard.  

Senator Clinton and Representative Reynolds joined this event that focused 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.

General Bradley and General James assured Rep. Slaughter, Rep. Reynolds, and Senator Clinton that they will make the 107^th Air Reserve Unit transition into an Air Associate Wing of the 914th work.  They 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 Army Regional Readiness Center, 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.

"Our meeting today was an unqualified success. The Air Force brass is now clearly committed to growing the Niagara Falls Air Base."  Rep. Slaughter said. She added, "I look forward to working with the Air Force, and my colleagues in Congress, to ensure a strong and vibrant future for our fighting men and women in Niagara falls." she added.

This afternoon Rep. Slaughter will be joined by Senator Schumer during her meeting with the Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Wynne.   This event will be Secretary Wynne's first meeting on Capitol Hill since he was sworn in last July.