Leaders Highlight Funding Needs at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference to underscore the importance of passing into law the $16 million she secured for the Combined Operations Airfield Facility (COAF) at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS) in a Senate bill earlier this summer.

Included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) appropriations bill passed by the Senate in August, the $16 million would provide the 914th Operations Group and its subordinate squadrons with a properly sized, flightline-based facility. This consolidation would enhance mission readiness by improving command and control, reducing response times, streamlining communications, and supporting more effective training. The bill was approved by the Senate with bipartisan support and is awaiting further deliberations in the House of Representatives.

“This funding is mission critical for NFARS,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With this new facility, the base would be able to consolidate operations, streamline communications, and enhance readiness. NFARS is the largest employer in Niagara County, and I am proud to fight for the resources it needs to achieve its mission and enhance Americans’ safety.”

“The Combined Operations Alert Facility (COAF) is more than just a building — it’s the cornerstone of our mission here at Niagara. By bringing operations and support functions together, we strengthen teamwork, improve efficiency and ensure our Airmen have the resources they need. This facility directly supports our readiness and our ability to serve whenever we are called,” said Mike Zimmerman, Chairman of the Niagara Military Affairs Council.

Added Niagara County Legislator Dave Godfrey, “No community lovers their airbase more than Niagara County loves that Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. For well over two decades, we have been doing all we can to protect this base that we view as so integral to our community.  One of the best ways to secure the future of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is to ensure that it is continually receiving funds to upgrade and expand the facilities in support of its mission.”

NFARS is a joint United States Air Force and National Guard location. NFARS is the largest employer in Niagara County, employing over 3,000 people, with a total economic impact of $300M annually. The base functions as a joint military and civilian use international airport, with the military providing fire/crash response support, among other functions.

Prior to the press conference, Senator Gillibrand did a brief tour of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, including the future site of the Combined Operations Airfield Facility and an airplane hangar.