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Senator Byrd

Leadership.      Character.      Commitment.
U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd

News outlets seeking more information should call Senator Byrd's Communications staff at (202) 224-3904 or at (304) 342-5855.

May 1, 2007

Byrd Announces Construction Contracts for Martinsburg Airport Upgrades
U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., announced Tuesday that contracts for the new rescue station and base supply building at the Martinsburg airport have been signed, sealed, and delivered.

"These contracts keep the construction work at the Martinsburg airport and the 167th Air National Guard base on track. We are making major strides forward in our effort to build a first-class facility to match the first-class personnel at the Airlift Wing," Byrd said. "When our work is finished at the airport, we will have the facilities and the crews to handle the C-5 aircraft or any plane that needs to land at Martinsburg."

Byrd worked to obtain the $12.6 million for the construction of the two key components in the upgrades at the airport and the adjoining Air National Guard base for the fleet of ten C-5 aircraft. The funds are part of more than $192 million that the Senator has secured for the Martinsburg facility. Overall, Martinsburg will see a federal investment of more than $260 million in the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport.

Once the C-5 unit is fully operational, the 167th Airlift Wing anticipates an additional 320 full-time jobs, and the annual economic impact on the area is expected to be more than $50 million annually.

"When the West Virginia National Guard needs help, we know we can turn to Senator Robert C. Byrd. Together, Senator Byrd and the National Guard make a strong team that protects our state and keeps our nation safe. The major upgrades at the 167th are testament to Senator Byrd’s commitment to the men and women of the National Guard and all of the Eastern Panhandle," explained West Virginia Adjutant General Allen Tackett.

Brechbil and Helman Construction, Inc., of Chambersburg, Pa., was awarded the two construction contracts -- a $6.1 million contract for the new rescue station and a $6.5 million contract for the base supply building.

The first of the C-5 aircraft arrived at the 167th base in December, with Byrd, Tackett, Guard members, and community residents on hand to celebrate. The remainder of the fleet is expected to start to arrive later this year -- one this month, five more later this year, and the remaining planes in 2008.

Utilizing funds that Senator Byrd has already provided, the new air traffic control tower and the flight simulator building have been completed. The first phase of the runway extension should be completed in July. The first phase of the aircraft parking ramp and the large maintenance hangar are expected to be finished by September.

Flight and maintenance teams are in training for their new C-5 work.

"This new mission, with the fleet of C-5 aircraft, will bring greater challenges to the men and women of the 167th, and I have every confidence that they will excel," Byrd said. "At the same time, the investments in the airport will be a major boon to the community. With this upgrade at the airport, all of the pieces are in place for new jobs and new opportunities in the Eastern Panhandle. Construction is well underway to modernize the roads and highways in the region. We will have a top-notch airport. The high-tech infrastructure is in place. And no one can match the work ethic and dedication of the people of West Virginia. We are creating opportunity today that will last for decades to come."

After working with Department of Defense officials since 1999, Byrd announced in 2002 that the C-5 transport planes would be based at the West Virginia Air National Guard’s 167th Airlift Wing.

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