Senator Gary Peters Secures Funding for Combat Readiness Training Center
Peters secured $23 million in federal funding to build a new hangar at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. “This investment is really important for national security,” said Peters. “To have this hangar to be able to handle the most advanced fighter aircraft that the Air Force flies, the fifth generation fighters. It really puts Alpena on the map. We’ll bring more advanced Fighters for training here. This is a tremendous facility and you’re going to see a lot of activity in the years ahead.”
The facility is one of only four combat training centers in the Air National Guard and will open opportunities for future training in Alpena. “Really the future of warfare is going to change a lot, and this facility is going to be positioned to be on the forefront of that,” said Peters. “So, I see a really bright future for this place.”
Local leaders were in attendance of the groundbreaking ceremony and are eager to see the impact this project will make on the community. “Anything that promotes more training, more people coming into the community,” said Matt Waligora, Alpena mayor. “To work here means they come out into the community to support our local businesses as well. And one day perhaps even move here, so it’s really exciting.” Adam Poll, city planner said “My thoughts are is that this project has been a long time coming. We are very grateful for the support of the military and the CRTC. We’re looking forward to working with them for a long time in the future.”
The project is set to employ 250 to 300 construction workers and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. The project will not negatively impact air traffic during its construction. “We’ve got a new runway; we’ve got a new hangar that’s going to bring the best of the best,” said Waligora.
