AIR RESERVE Vienna base OK'd for funds

Housing for reservists would help the local base's chances to survive BRAC.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
VIENNA -- The Youngstown Air Reserve Station will receive $954,000 in federal money to plan and design housing facilities for reservists at the base.
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, successfully lobbied to place the money for the air base into the 2005 Defense Authorization Bill.
The money will be used for the planning and design of a 131-room lodging facility for reservists.
It appears the federal government will implement a Base Realignment and Closure process next year to eliminate about one-quarter of its military bases.
The U.S. House voted Thursday to delay the process until 2007, but the Senate and the president want the base reduction program to remain on schedule for 2005. Also, the House doesn't have enough votes to override a presidential veto on the delay.
One of the weaknesses at the local air base is the lack of housing for reservists.
"Federal support for the Youngstown air base is a key element of protecting it during the next round of BRAC base closings," Ryan said. "This money will not only help house our reservists, but help safeguard an important economic engine that contributes nearly $100 million a year into our local economy. I intend to keep working to bring back more federal dollars."
Using American products
An amendment to the defense bill first offered by Ryan also would require the federal government to use American-made products in certain cases for the military.
Known as the Berry Amendment, Ryan said the provision would help support domestic manufacturing companies such as RMI Titanium Co. in Weathersfield Township.
Similar language was approved by the U.S. House last year, but taken out during the House-Senate conference.
Ryan said the language would require the Department of Defense to notify Congress and the public 15 days before waiving the provisions of the Berry Amendment.
skolnick@vindy.com