Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) is applauding the governor’s economic impact study on the state’s military bases in an effort to expand and retain their role in New York. In the face of potential federal reductions in military spending, Hawley stated that it is crucial for state government to bolster these pillars of economic growth and national security.

“We cannot play politics or waver in our commitment when it comes to the vital role our military bases play in New York,” said Hawley. “The economic impact these facilities play is especially critical in Western New York, with more than 800 people employed at the imperiled Niagara Falls Reserve Station. However, as a former National Guardsman, United States Army reservist and current member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I know that these bases benefit more than our economy. They benefit our national security and the heroic men and women that defend our country, and we need to do everything we can to keep their bases open and operating.”

To protect New York's military bases and keep the state's National Guard strong, the study will focus on the military value, cost effectiveness and economic impact of key New York military installations, including the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The analysis will help in the creation of a strategic plan to promote, enhance and protect New York's military bases.

State military bases account for more than 10,000 direct jobs with direct wages of $688 million and $1.9 billion of economic impact.