Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2004

Schumer, Clinton: Congress Approves $501,000 To Begin Replacing Fire Station At Stewart Airport

Current fire station insufficient; Federal funds would be used to build adequate crash, fire, and rescue mission facility

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton announced today that Congress has given final approval for $501,000 in planning and design funds for the Air National Guard to replace their fire station at Stewart International Airport so it can fully support crash, fire, and rescue missions. The bill now heads to the President's desk for final approval.

"This project is a win-win scenario for the Hudson Valley by providing a greater investment in Stewart Airport through the Air National Guard and by protecting and improving conditions for the men and women who serve there," said Senator Schumer. "This funding is crucial in keeping workers safe and it will strengthen the base for the future."

"A new fire station at Stewart is needed to support the missions of the Air National Guard and Marine Air Wings stationed there, but the fire station will also benefit the local community. I am pleased that Congress has provided funds for planning and design for this much needed facility," Senator Clinton said.

The funds will be used to build a facility that will support crash, fire, and rescue missions generated by the Air Force Bases' C-5 flying operations and used by the Joint Use Agreement between the Air National Guard and Stewart International Airport. The facility will support 24-hour day operations by up to fifteen firefighters. The base will also create a civil engineering area to store and maintain pavements and ground equipment for snow removal and other airfield operations. Currently, the fire station is severely undersized.

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