THE IDAHO ADVANTAGE
Idaho is in a unique position to offer the best of both worlds toward the fulfillment of the F-35 Mission. Out of 205 possible bases for training and operation missions, the Air Force selected both Mountain Home and Gowen Field as part of the final 11 under consideration. What's even more important is that the two bases are not competing with each other. Mountain Home is a candidate for the Operational Mission and Gowen Field is a candidate for the Training Mission. There are two missions, but one statewide effort to bring them to Idaho.
MISSION BENEFIT TO IDAHO
Military aviation has been in Idaho for more than 60 years, and together our two military installations provide more than $1 billion to the Idaho economy each year. Our Air Force and Air National Guard bases are currently home to 73 fighter aircraft. The new F-35 will guarantee that these bases continue to provide their high level of economic impact for the next 50 years.
Our goal is to get the Air Force to assign three squadrons at each location. Each squadron has 500 jobs (24 planes) associated with it, totaling 3,000 direct jobs for Idaho.
Beyond creating direct jobs, these missions will generate a critical mass of economic development in the private sector that comes from the need to support a large number of planes. For example, if Idaho was to become a maintenance depot or training center of excellence, supporting businesses would need to be established outside the gates, creating even more jobs for Idahoans.
Combining the training mission at Gowen Field with the operations mission at Mountain Home Air Force Base provides a tremendous advantage to the Air Force in terms of air space, weather, costs, proximity and enthusiastic citizen support for military missions here in Idaho. C.L. "BUTCH" OTTER, GOVERNOR
LINKS
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† Total Capital Assets: $2,551,118,000 * The estimated total dollar impact MHAFB brings to the surrounding state and community. Based on a GMI of 1.90 provided by Boise State University Department of Economics |
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| Fiscal Year 2008 Highlights: | |
|---|---|
| Total Capital Assets: | $2,551,118,000 |
| Construction and Procurement: | 164,467,278 |
| Payroll Military: | 196,735,239 |
| Payroll Civilians & Business: | 29,847,152 |
| Retired Personnel Payroll: | 138,720,000 |
| Indirect Jobs (estimated): | 52,660,069 |
| Direct Impact: | $529,769,669 |
| Estimated Impact: | $1,006,562,371* |
| Indirect Jobs (estimated): | $52,660,069 |
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† Total Capital Assets: $107,503,850 * This data was compiled from numerous sources, including on-base activities, other government agencies (federal, state and local), and the local community. The facts and figures contained throughout are accurate to the best of our knowledge. Approximations were used in some instances to ensure operational security. Also, where data was not readily available, estimates were used to reflect the general level of activity. These estimates and approximations do not diminish the accuracy of this data nor the IDANG’s impact on the surrounding communities. |
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| Fiscal Year 2008 Highlights: | |
|---|---|
| Total Capital Assets: | $107,503,850 |
| Construction/Operations/Training: | 20,564,865 |
| Payroll Military: | 41,083,057 |
| Federal Civilian Payroll: | 19,863,625 |
| Direct Impact of Federal Funds: | $81,511,547 |
| Estimated Impact: | $244,534,641* |
The F-35 Mission’s benefit to Idaho goes beyond the financial impact. Our citizens have a proud tradition of service in and support for our nation’s military. Part of the Idaho Air National Guard’s mission is to serve at the Governor’s request in case of wildfire, flood or other times of crisis.
Your support will help keep the Mountain Home Air Force Base and Gowen Field vital and thriving for many more years. Please register your support of the F-35 Lightning II mission.
Gowen Field ANG-Training Mission
(Fact Sheet)
Mountain Home AFB-Operational Mission
(Fact Sheet)
