The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate each passed a resolution this week that contains $4.5 million to build a fuel systems maintenance hangar and shop for the Duluth Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing.
The new facility would allow the wing to maintain its planes in full compliance with federal standards.
"The members of the 148th have always stood up and served their nation whenever they have been asked," Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., said in a news release. "It is a measure of respect to ensure that they have the best equipment and facilities we can provide for them to carry out their duties."
Receiving the funding could improve the odds for the long-term survival of the base. The base's future has been in doubt since it was announced that the F-16, its main aircraft, would be phased out in a decade or so.
"I'm particularly pleased about the funding for the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth which will improve their facility for a long-term future," Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., said in a news release. "It is not only important to maintain the Guard's basic infrastructure, it is equally critical to ensure they have access to important benefits that help them and their families through the next stage of deployment."
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In January, the Air Force released a long-term plan that considers Duluth and 40 other bases across the nation as potential homes for the F-35 Lightning II fighter. Thirty-three of the bases, including Duluth, will be considered only for the F-35. The remaining bases will be considered for either the F-35 or the F-22 Raptor.
Receiving F-35s could ensure that the 148th, which employs about 465 people full time and more than 1,000 total, would exist past 2040.
