THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR ROBERT BYRD.

WASHINGTON, D.C....U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $27 million in new funding for the construction of a C-130 fuel cell hangar for the West Virginia National Guard facilities at Yeager Airport in Charleston. According to development plans for the base, the fuel cell hangar will be connected to a new maintenance hangar that will be constructed using $17.3 million secured by Byrd in legislation that was signed into law last year. Together, the new facilities would expand capabilities at Yeager, which will help to protect the facility from potential efforts to close the base through the Pentagon’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program.

"Modernizing and strengthening Yeager Airbase is a top priority both for West Virginia and for our America’s security," Byrd said. "I am working hard to ensure that the 130th has the resources it needs to thrive for many years to come. These new hangars will not only replace outdated facilities; they will also enhance the 130th Airlift Wing’s capabilities and open up new opportunities for the future of the base.”

In 2005, Yeager Airbase was placed on the Pentagon’s Base Realignment and Closure list. Senator Byrd -- along with state, local, and federal officials -- worked with the West Virginia National Guard, and grassroots supporters to save the base. Having successfully thwarted efforts to close the base, Byrd is once again working in the Senate to update and expand the Guard’s capabilities in Charleston.

The proposed C-130 fuel cell hangar would replace the current hangar, which is nearly 40 years old and at the end of its functional life. The structure will be repositioned from its current site to increase the unit’s aircraft parking space and will be connected to the planned new maintenance hangar.

“The West Virginia Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing is one of the best trained units in the nation. With top-notch facilities, leadership, and training, I am confident they will continue to play a leading role in defending our nation for many years to come,” Byrd explained.

"This funding will improve overall mission capability and readiness for the airfield and the unit,” said Adjutant General for West Virginia, Major General Allen Tackett. “This is vital to maintaining the operational tempo required to meet the Air Force's current airlift demand and position the unit to expand in the future by adding an active duty associate unit."

Senator Byrd included this latest round of funding in the Fiscal Year 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which unanimously passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 17.