Slaughter secures $9.5 million authorization for base

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, NY-28, announced May 27 that she has secured an additional $9.5 million authorization in the National Defense Authorization Act for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

"The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is on its way to being a crown jewel for the U.S. Air Force," said Slaughter. "This new investment will improve coordination and continue the upward rise of NFARS since we successfully removed it from the 2005 BRAC list. I will continue to do all I can to support the great work being done by the 914th and 107th."

At Slaughter's request, the National Defense Authorization Act includes $9.5 million to begin design and planning for a joint operations center at NFARS. The C-130 flight line facility will help the 914th and 107th Airlift Wings better coordinate their activities at NFARS.

In 2005, the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station was removed from the BRAC list, ensuring its short-term survival. Slaughter worked to keep the base open at the time in order to protect local jobs and preserve a valuable military asset. The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is the largest employer in Niagara County.