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Duluth Area Chamber’s military affairs committee urges state support for 148th Fighter Wing hangars, highlights economic ties
Summary
The Duluth Area Chamber briefed the county board on the Military Affairs Committee’s advocacy for the 148th Fighter Wing, seeking $25 million in state funds for hangar modernization and stressing the base’s economic contribution and regional strategic value.
The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 3 asked St. Louis County commissioners to sustain advocacy for the 148th Fighter Wing and other local military assets, and to support a proposed $25 million state contribution to modernize hangars and related infrastructure at the base.
Matt Baumgartner, president of the Duluth Area Chamber, and Dr. Chiamaka Enema, chair of the chamber board, told the county board the 148th currently contributes “over $150,000,000” annually to the local economy and employs about 1,100 people, and that federal funding has covered significant past investments. Baumgartner and Enema said state support would help demonstrate local and state commitment to the base as the Air Force considers divest‑to‑invest efficiencies.
Baumgartner described a history of local advocacy that preserved the 148th during past base realignment processes and said the Military Affairs Committee has retooled its charter to represent all regional military branches and to prioritize education, advocacy and relationship building. The committee cited the airport’s air-traffic control tower as linked infrastructure that supports the base’s training and operations.
Dr. Enema said federal investment in the 148th has exceeded $150 million historically and that “there have been 0 state or local dollars put in” for certain major projects; she and Baumgartner asked commissioners to consider a $25 million state request to demo old hangars, complete design, and build new hangars to position the base for next‑generation aircraft.
Presenters also highlighted local economic development tied to military presence, including private-sector companies locating operations that can use inland testing areas. Chamber leaders described a new foundation to support advocacy and fundraising and said the chamber will continue support for veterans and military families through programming and partnership.
Commissioners thanked the presenters and reiterated the board’s interest in continued coordination and advocacy; several commissioners said the county should keep the issue in front of state and federal elected officials.
