COLUMBUS (UPDATED AT 4:30 P.M.) — The Ohio Military Facilities Commission has recommended that $2.5 million be granted to the179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard, according to State Representative Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario).
If approved, the grant money would assist with a $4 million project to relocate a portion of a civilian used taxiway away from the security perimeter of the C-130 Hercules aircraft ramp. The ramp is used by the 179th Airlift Wing to deliver cargo for disaster relief efforts and other domestic emergencies.
By relocating the taxiway, multiple deviations to military standards – related to the distance between the taxiway and the installation’s fence-line, roadway, and parking apron – would be eliminated.
The new taxiway will connect the parking and maintenance areas of the military airfield with the runways and provide access to hangars, docks, parking aprons and pads within the minimum required distance of 400 feet from the runway’s centerline.
“The mission of the 179th is critical to our nation, state, and the Mansfield community,” Romanchuk said. “This new investment will strengthen our position with the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) that will inevitably happen in the future.”
The Ohio Military Facilities Commission and $5 million in funding was authorized through Ohio House Bill 64, the state operating budget in the 131st General Assembly. The 179th Airlift Wing and Toledo’s 180th Fighter Wing, also of the Ohio Air National Guard, were granted funds out of 10 applicants.
The requests for the next stage have been submitted to the Office of Budget and Management and the Controlling Board for review. The National Guard will provide the remaining $1.5 million in federally matching funds for the Mansfield project.
The Airlift Wing has operated out of the Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport since 1948.
In addition, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Air Force Caucus – recently met with former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, President Trump’s nominee to serve as the Secretary of the Air Force and highlighted key priorities for Ohio Air Force bases. During the meeting, Brown highlighted the need to upgrade the C-130H planes flown at the Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base.
“The mission at Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base supports local jobs and keeps communities safe during emergencies and natural disasters,” Brown said. “The men and women at Mansfield Lahm ANGB deserve the most up-to-date fleet possible, and I will work with Dr. Wilson if confirmed to ensure the Air Force has the resources and meets the appropriate timelines to upgrade the planes in Mansfield.”
