For Immediate Release

May 23, 2008

LoBiondo Secures $8.4 Million for 177^th Fighter Wing in Egg Harbor Township

Congressman Secures Funding in FY2009 National Defense Authorization Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, applauded the House passage of H.R. 5856, the “Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Act” by a vote of 384 to 23 late last night. Included in the bill is $8.4 million for the 177^th Air National Guard Fighter Wing which operates out of the Atlantic City International Airport for the new construction of Phase I of a two phase Operations and Training Facility.

        “This federal funding is critical in expanding the facilities at the 177^th Fighter Wing, which is tasked with arguably the most important mission in protecting our skies from New York City to Washington, D.C. and beyond,” said LoBiondo. “I will continue to work with the men and women at the 177^th to ensure they have all the resources they need to successfully complete their mission.”

        The new facility will house key wing administrative functions, including offices for the wing commander and staff; environmental manager; public affairs; wing safety; support group commander and staff; counseling and family support services. It will also be the location for the new dining facility, honor guard and fitness areas.

        In the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Bill, LoBiondo secured $6 million for the 177^th Fighter Wing for its new Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) facility. This two year project will house personnel and equipment, including HUMVEES, which support frontline Army maneuver units and coordinate air support missions for the Air Force. The new facility will also house equipment that can be used in the event of a state emergency where the National Guard is activated.

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Jason P. Galanes

Communications Director

Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02)

202.225.6572 (office)

202.374.1914 (cell)

202.225.3318 (fax)

2427 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

www.house.gov/lobiondo