The Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber applauds the effort from Ohio’s U.S. senators in helping to put the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in President Barack Obama’s budget.
YOUNGSTOWN – The Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber applauds the effort from Ohio’s U.S. senators in helping to put the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in President Barack Obama’s budget.
Because of the work of U.S. Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, the White House budget includes $9.4 million for the Youngstown Air Reserve Station indoor firing range. The White House announcement comes on the heels of both senators in December urging the U.S. Air Force to provide funding for the facility.
“This funding will ensure that Ohio Airmen are equipped with the skills and training they need to perform their critical national security missions,” Brown said. “I will continue to work to ensure that the Youngstown Air Reserve Station is fully utilized and the men and women who serve our nation have the resources they need.”
Brown has worked to guarantee YARS receives funding and resources to preserve jobs in the Valley. In December 2014, Brown cosponsored an amendment that was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would allow modernization of Ohio’s C-130H fleet – based at YARS. In November 2014, Brown toured YARS and met with leadership.
“I’m pleased the Air Force budget includes $9.4 million to upgrade an indoor firing range facility at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna,’’ Portman said. “I pressed the Air Force to fund this much-needed training capability for our airmen and their partners.”
Like Brown, Portman has remained steadfast in his support of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, which produces a nearly $200 million annual impact on the Valley economy.
“We appreciate the support our senators are providing to protect this important cog in the Valley economy,” said Tom Humphries, president and CEO of the Regional Chamber, the Valley’s lead economic development agency. “Additional local support is needed to safeguard against Pentagon cuts and the potential for a future Base Realignment And Closure process.”