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Malmstrom officials outline Sentinel expansion and urge local land‑use coordination
Summary
Malmstrom Air Force Base leaders told the Great Falls City Commission the Sentinel mission expansion and a planned small nuclear reactor test program will bring major construction and called for a formal land‑use memorandum to align city and county development with base needs.
Malmstrom Air Force Base leaders described a period of significant construction and community coordination tied to the Sentinel mission expansion and related projects, and asked Great Falls leaders to formalize land‑use collaboration.
Colonel Daniel Voorhies, commander of the 341st Missile Wing, said May 5 that the base was recognized with the Omaha Trophy for ICBM operations and noted upcoming events, and the base introduced Daniel Harrison from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation as a federally funded liaison to support regional coordination. Lt. Col. John LeGloahec said the base functions as a "small city within a city" and emphasized that a land‑use memorandum would support coordination between Malmstrom, the City, and Cascade County as Sentinel brings extensive construction to central and eastern portions of the installation.
LeGloahec and Ryck Cayer described Sentinel Industry Day slated for May 7 at the University of Providence and encouraged collaboration with local governments and businesses on vendor and development opportunities. The Department of the Air Force has identified Malmstrom as one of three test sites for a small nuclear reactor deployment, and staff noted the base will partner with Westinghouse Government Services on the effort.
Mayor Cory Reeves thanked Col. Voorhies for his service. Commissioners expressed support for continuing regular introductions of airmen and reached consensus to begin conversations about formalizing the land‑use coordination process, with the City to engage Malmstrom on a memorandum of understanding or similar framework. Commissioner Casey Schreiner stressed that while Malmstrom is a valued partner, "local government retains a responsibility to make decisions on behalf of taxpayers," and said future discussions should proceed with both parties as equal partners.
The Commission did not take formal action at the May 5 meeting; staff and commissioners agreed to initiate further talks with Malmstrom and to consider a formal MOU to guide coordination.
