08.23.13

Hoeven Joins Minot Air Force Base to Dedicate New Air Traffic Control Tower Complex

Senator Worked to Secure Funding for Control Tower Project

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined the Minot Air Force Base community to dedicate a $16.3 million air traffic control complex that includes a 9-story air traffic control tower and consolidated facility to house airfield operations. As a member of the Appropriations Committee and Military Construction Subcommittee, Hoeven worked to secure funding for the air traffic control tower complex as part of appropriations legislation approved by Congress in spring 2011.

“Minot Air Force Base plays a key and growing role in defending our nation and protecting our interests,” said Hoeven. “This new air traffic control complex ensures our service members have the tools they need to more effectively complete their missions today and into the future. This is important infrastructure for our base and for our nation’s defense.”

The $16.3 million dollar construction project began in April 2012 and was completed in late July. The new complex provides consolidated operations for air traffic control of all arriving and departing aircraft. The tower provides RADAR approach service for over 4,800 square miles of airspace, including the base, Minot International Airport and ten other surrounding airports. The new complex houses the operational support squadron, aircrew flight planning, weather briefings, safety information, maps, charts and a small lounge for visiting personnel. The new complex provides greater flexibility and responsiveness and will result in more effective use of base manpower and resources.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to fund Minot Air Force Base construction priorities. The senator worked to include over $30 million in funding for construction and maintenance projects at Minot Air Force Base in the Fiscal 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act approved by the Appropriations Committee in June. That funding supports B-52 Maintenance Facility, B-52 Munitions Storage Igloos and fuel pipeline replacement projects. That legislation must be passed by the full Senate and the House of Representatives.