Congressman Franks Announces Major Victory for Luke Air Force Base

funding request of $14.3 million included in final appropriation bill

November 4, 2003-It was announced today that a $14.3 million Military Construction appropriation request-for development rights and land acquisition around Luke Air Force Base-has been retained in the final version of the appropriation bill to emerge from the MilCon Conference Committee.

"This is a major victory for Luke Air Force Base," Congressman Trent Franks said.  "I am so deeply grateful to Senators McCain and Kyl, Chairmen Knollenberg and Hunter, and Speaker Hastert, for their support of this measure. They made it happen.  The ability of the Air Force to prevent incompatible land use is crucial to its operation, and the committee's decision reflects the high priority placed on the viability and longevity of this critical base."

"I can attest to the fact that Luke Air Force Base could not have a stronger advocate than Trent Franks," House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter said.  "He is here working hard on the issue and in the end his diligent work paid off."

"We appreciate the efforts of our elected leaders in ensuring our ability to meet the requirements necessary to safely and realistically conduct our mission of training fighter pilots," said Brigadier General Philip M. Breedlove, Commander, 56th Fighter Wing.

The requested funds will be used to prevent incompatible land uses and encroachment, and increase the margin of safety in the Live Ordnance Departure Area (LODA) located southwest of Luke Air Force Base.  Luke Air Force Base-with its year-round idyllic training weather-is the training home to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. 95% of America's F-16 pilots are trained at the base. With an average of 170 sorties flown each day, access to the Goldwater Range is an essential part of the advanced training and practice required of the Air Force fighter pilots.  The southern departure corridor from Luke Air Force Base is the only air corridor where live ordnance can be carried out by F-16 Fighters.  The threat of advancement and increased pressure of residential development from what has traditionally been isolated farmland has placed the mission and the future of Luke Air Force Base at risk.