Capital District Times

East Greenbush, N.Y. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has successfully secured over $415 million in funding for the Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY, for the Fiscal Year 2024. The significant amount of funding marks a historic milestone for the lab and its crucial mission in the field of surveillance, reconnaissance, quantum information science, and intelligence, essential for the success of the Air Force and the defense of U.S. national security.

In a statement, Congresswoman Stefanik expressed her pride in securing the funding, highlighting a $25 million investment specifically allocated for the Air Force Research Lab's annual Future Flag testing and evaluation exercise in Lewis, NY.

City of Rome Mayor Jeff Lanigan extended his gratitude to Congresswoman Stefanik for her advocacy efforts, emphasizing the positive impact of the $415 million funding on both the nation's defense capabilities and the economic growth of Rome.

Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute, hailed the news as a significant development for the region, praising Congress's bipartisan support for AFRL's critical mission and its role in advancing national security through quantum research.

New York Senator Joseph Griffo also commended the funding increase, noting its importance in enhancing the innovative work conducted at the lab and strengthening the military asset in Oneida County and Rome.

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. echoed the sentiments, describing the federal appropriation as historic and emphasizing its positive implications for national security and the high-tech industry in the region, particularly in Quantum Information Science and UAS research.