Jeffords And Leahy Secure $35 Million
For New Blackhawk Helicopter Hangar
For The Vermont National Guard

… Old Hanger To Become Prized New Commercial Space For Airport’s Economic Growth

BURLINGTON, Vt. (Mon., Dec. 15) – Vermont’s U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy and Jim Jeffords Monday stood in the current home of the Vermont National Guard’s Blackhawk helicopter fleet and joined Guard officials in announcing that the senators have secured $35 million in military construction funds to build a new Blackhawk helicopter hangar and armory for the Guard. 

Jeffords and Leahy said the vacated space also will become an economic boon to Burlington International Airport, which will use the prized location and facility for commercial growth tied to the airport.  The old space will be converted and made available for commercial lease, boosting both the airport’s economic vitality and the area’s economy the two senators said. 

“This investment in the Guard is an investment in our security and in our economy,” said Leahy, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and co-chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus.  “This is a twin win, for the Guard, and for our economy.  Our Guard gets the modern hangar they need to be stronger, faster and better-equipped for their missions.  Meanwhile, the old facility will be transformed into valuable commercial real estate. 

"The Vermont Army National Guard has led the way in Vermont's defense for many, many years," Jeffords said. "This facility will keep them in the forefront of aviation technology, civilian defense missions and our national defense."

The funds will be used to construct a state-of-the-art hangar for the Vermont National Guard’s Blackhawk helicopter fleet at the Burlington International Airport.  The current facility, the Kneeland Flight Facility, will then become property of the City of Burlington upon completion of the new facility. 

Jeffords and Leahy said construction of the new facility will also employ dozens of Vermont construction workers.  

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