106th Air National Guard To Benefit From State Budget

In the face of national cuts in defense spending, New York State has opted to include money in its 2013 budget for Westhampton's 106th Air National Guard base at Gabreski Airport, as well as other bases around the state.

According to Assemblyman Fred Thiele, the state has set aside $2 million to "support and strengthen New York’s military installations."

The state made the move, Thiele said, acknowledging the important role that the bases played during and after Hurricane Sandy. The bases also account for 10,000 jobs and nearly $2 billion in economic impact, said Thiele.

"New York's military installations are a major driver of local economies, and we will fight to keep these bases strong and secure, right here in our state," said Thiele. "Throughout Hurricane Sandy and in the storm's aftermath, we saw time and time again our military personnel on the front line, helping residents, keeping our streets safe, and providing critical supplies to those in need. This appropriation will help to preserve these important military installations as well as the thousands of jobs and the nearly $2 billion in economic impact supported by the bases."

The exact amount of money that the 106th will receive was not immediately available; however, the base received .

The news comes two weeks after the 106th learned that the Feds opted not to cut funds from Gabreski Airport though a sequestrian, which would have left Gabreski's tower unmanned.

The FAA, Congressman Tim Bishop said, determined that keeping the tower open is in "national interest."

Related Reading:

• Gabreski Airport Tower Will Remain Open
• State Money Secured for 106th Air National Guard Rescue Wing

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