Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis | Members of the Vermont Air National Guard pose in front of the Burlington...... read more read more
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The Burlington City Council voted to extend a lease between their city and the U.S. Government for the Vermont Air National Guard to remain at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport through 2073.
“Burlington has been the committed steward of the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, one of the great economic engines of Vermont, for over 100 years – and since 1946 the Airport has also been the proud home of the Vermont Air National Guard,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “This lease extension is an important step in ensuring the mutual success of the City, VTANG, the airport, and the region, and in continuing to mitigate the sound and emissions impacts of VTANG operations. I am grateful that the Council approval Monday of the lease and MOU I negotiated will result in Guard members continuing to be our neighbors, teachers, police and firefighters, coaches, volunteers, doctors, and nurses for generations to come.”
The council’s decision unfreezes $51M in capital investments for the Vermont Air National Guard and Leahy Burlington International Airport, including nearly $8M in environmental improvement and sustainment projects, many of which align with Burlington’s climate goals.
“This decision is a win-win for Burlington, our great state, and the United States of America,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Finnegan, the 158th Fighter Wing commander. “We are immensely grateful for the trust and support of the city council. This extension allows us to continue our vital mission and reinforces the bonds between our military personnel and the community we serve.”
The lease extension secures Vermont’s access to the many resources the VTANG’s presence brings, including disaster response capabilities, which have proven invaluable during times of crisis, and significant local economic contributions. Additionally, the VTANG fire department provides the only fire and emergency response service to Leahy Burlington International Airport and mutual aid support to all neighboring communities at no cost to the city or state.
“The VTANG has been a longstanding contributor to the local economy, providing nearly 1,100 jobs, which total $62M a year in payroll and benefits, has additional annual expenditures of $19M, and offers significant investments in infrastructure and green initiatives,” Finnegan said.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont adjutant general also commended the Burlington City Council's decision, saying, "The Vermont Air National Guard plays a crucial role in our national defense strategy. Its strategic location, well-trained personnel, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure the security of our nation. This extension is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Burlington City Council to the city's well-being, the state's security, and the nation's defense."
| Date Taken: | 10.25.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.25.2023 09:14 |
| Story ID: | 456481 |
| Location: | SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, US |
| Web Views: | 234 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Vermont Air National Guard Base Lease Extended, Securing Benefits for City, State, and Nation, by Maj. Meghan Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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