Fairchild AFB is moving to Moses Lake
File photo<br> The McChord Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III approaches the Fairchild Air Force Base KC-135 to practice air refueling over the Columbia Basin in 2007.
MOSES LAKE — The US Air Force announced it is transferring fixed wing operations from Fairchild Air Force Base to the Grant County International Airport and Spokane International Airport next year.
Runway repair work at Fairchild is causing the move.
Construction likely begins in February 2011, concluding by November, according to an Air Force spokesperson.
“I think it’s good for the community,” said Craig Baldwin, the Port of Moses Lake’s executive manager, on Wednesday. “We knew that it was their game plan, but until Congress approved (funding the runway repairs), it wasn’t official.”
During repairs, the air crew and planes must be moved.
He understands between 12 to 22 aircraft would be based in Moses Lake for a year.
“Moses Lake is convenient, especially for the families,” Baldwin said. “We’re excited to have them out there. It’s great for the community, to have them eating in our restaurants and shopping in our stores.”
The community also benefits from taxes the port receives through a lease hold tax charged for port property.
“We think it will be a benefit to have them,” he added.
The cost of the project is estimated between $25 million to $100 million.
The construction contractor for the runway will be chosen later this year.
“It is a testament to our outstanding relationship with the Inland Northwest community that our operations will still be able to continue unabated while we undertake this project,” according to the Air Force spokesperson.