$14 million OK’d for air base
By Rick Pfeiffer / [email protected]
Saturday, October 09, 2026

In its rush to adjourn and head home for the elections, Congress passed a passel of legislation Friday night.

One important piece for the Niagara Region designates $14 million in funding for a pair of projects at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

“It’s very exciting news for Niagara,” said Merrell Lane, president of the Niagara Military Affairs Council. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get these things under way next year.”

The funding, which was approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, provides $7.8 million for a Fire-Crash Rescue Station and $6.2 million for the establishment of a Military Entrance Processing Site. The projects are part of the 2005 Department of Defense budget.

“This is a huge investment in the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station,” said U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. “Authorization for this funding, combined with plans to build a new visiting airman’s quarters, represents a concerted effort to support the base and ensure the future of the station.”

The air reserve base is home to the 914th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve and the 107th Air Refueling Wing of the New York Air National Guard.

“Obviously, we’re pleased by the fact that we have two major projects that will improve the air base,” base spokesman Neil Nolf said.



Contact Rick Pfeiffer at (716) 282-2311, Ext. 2252.



Read more in the Oct. 9 Union-Sun & Journal.
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