Bomber Training Area Expansion Receives Federal Approval

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given a final stamp of approval to establish an enormous bomber training area over the Northern Plains.

The decision came after nearly nine years of collaboration between United States Senator John Thune and the U.S. Air Force to expand the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC).

Thune was pleased with the final decision from the FAA, saying, "We're not only going to see savings to the tune of $23 million a year at Ellsworth, but we're also going to offer better training opportunities to our airmen, increasing readiness across the Air Force."

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds also applauded the FAA decision. Rounds says that the completion of the project "solidifies the critical role Ellsworth plays and will continue to play in military readiness and national defense."

Representative Kristi Noem calls the B1 vital to the U.S. and also praises the announcement.

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard also issued a statement on Tuesday’s decision, saying the expansion will provide tremendous benefits to the Air Force and South Dakota. He also commends Senator Thune on his efforts to bring the project to fruition.

The PRTC expansion marks the largest expansion of special use airspace in America’s history.