“I want to ensure Fairchild continues to have opportunities to expand its missions and capabilities.”

Washington, D.C. – This morning, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), a staunch advocate for Fairchild Air Force Base, released the following statement regarding the Department of the Interior (DOI) determination for West Plains development:

“While I applaud the Spokane Tribe’s desire for economic development, I remain concerned that the proposed location, due to its proximity to Fairchild Air Force Base, presents a tremendous threat to Fairchild and its future.

“As Eastern Washington’s representative in Congress, I take seriously any threat that would impact Fairchild’s current training, base operations, and readiness. More important, I want to ensure that Fairchild continues to have opportunities to expand its missions and capabilities.

“Our decisions today must not limit current or future military operations at Fairchild. I am concerned that the location of this proposed development, when completed, will adversely impact military operations at Fairchild. That’s why I oppose, in its proposed location, the Spokane Tribe of Indians West Plains Casino and Mixed-Use Development Project.”