Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that they secured $17.8 million in authorizations for projects at Fort Drum in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).
“This year’s NDAA is a win for service members, New Yorkers, and all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was especially proud to fight for and secure key provisions in the final bill that will directly impact the North Country, including authorizations for multiple projects at Fort Drum. Protecting our troops and our national security is of the utmost importance, and I am glad to see Democrats and Republicans work together to pass this vital legislation.”
“Fort Drum is vital to our national defense and is woven into the very fabric of the North Country. This nearly $20 million funding authorization in the just-passed final national defense bill is a major milestone for securing future federal funding to bring much-needed construction projects to life,” said Senator Schumer. “Now, we are one step closer to planning and designing expanded space to house Fort Drum’s aircraft and building more housing for soldiers who come to Fort Drum for training. I will always fight to deliver more resources for New York’s servicemembers and to protect our national security.”
A list of Senator Gillibrand and Schumer’s priorities included in the NDAA for Fort Drum includes:
- $17.8 million funding authorization for the planning and design of future construction projects at Fort Drum, including:
- $9.5 million funding authorization for aircraft maintenance hangar addition
- $8.3 million funding authorization for Operational Readiness Training Center barracks design
The aircraft maintenance hangar addition and Operational Readiness Training Center both received full funding in the FY26 Military Construction Appropriations law. Other highlights of the FY26 NDAA bill include a pay raise for service members, as well as over $240 million in total authorizations for New York State projects.
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