Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik urged the Department of the Army to expedite $69.2 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, Fort Drum, New York. The airfield is a crucial component of the 10th Mountain Division’s operations, which is noted as the most deployed division in the U.S. Army since September 11, 2001.
Stefanik has requested that funds originally scheduled for Fiscal Year 2027 under the Army Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) program be reallocated to Fiscal Year 2026. This funding is intended to replace aging electric power systems essential for maintaining rapid deployment and mission readiness.
In her letter to Army leadership, Stefanik stated: “The Army is engaged in global operations to execute President Trump’s agenda of America First Peace through Strength leadership on the world stage. To ensure that these operations continue smoothly, I urge you to accelerate $69,200,000 in Army Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) funding…to improve the airfield electrical power infrastructure at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield at Fort Drum.”
She emphasized Fort Drum’s role in national defense and highlighted ongoing missions such as homeland defense at the U.S. southern border and collaborations with partners in the Middle East. According to Stefanik, “The functionality of this airfield is essential to maintaining…operational readiness…However, the current condition of the airfield’s electric power system is rapidly deteriorating.”
Stefanik warned that postponing repairs until FY27 could hinder high-priority missions: “Delaying repairs…jeopardizes the Army’s capacity to support high-priority missions.” She advocates for allocating $69.2 million within FY26 to address this urgent need.
Concluding her appeal, Stefanik expressed willingness to collaborate with military leaders: “For these reasons…I am ready to work with you…and respectfully request an update on this effort following the release of the President’s Budget Request for FY26.”
