YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber praised Ohio’s two U.S. senators for their efforts to get funds for the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in President Barack Obama’s recently outlined budget.

The White House budget, unveiled last week, includes $9.4 million for the Youngstown Air Reserve Station indoor firing range. In December, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, urged the U.S. Air Force to provide funding for the base.

Brown’s efforts on behalf of the base include his co-sponsorship of an amendment that was included in the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow modernization of Ohio’s C-130H fleet, based at YARS. In November, Brown toured YARS and met with base leadership.

Portman also has been "steadfast" in his support of the base, which has an economic impact in the Mahoning Valley of nearly $200 million, the chamber said.

“We appreciate the support our senators are providing to protect this important cog in the Valley economy,” said Tom Humphries, president and CEO of the Regional Chamber. “Additional local support is needed to safeguard against Pentagon cuts and the potential for a future Base Realignment And Closure process.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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