01.17.18

Hoeven Underscores Importance of Long-Term Infrastructure Investments in ND Air Bases to Air Force Installations Nominee

Senator Also Invites Col. Henderson to See UAS Partnerships at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and Grand Sky Technology Park

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Military Construction Appropriations Committee, today met with Colonel John Henderson, the nominee to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy, and stressed the importance of investing in long-term infrastructure for air bases in Minot and Grand Forks. Hoeven invited Col. Henderson to visit Grand Forks to see unmanned aerial systems (UAS) developments fostered by the partnership between the base and Grand Sky Technology Park.

“In order for America to continue to hold superiority in the air, we need to make strategic investments to support our Air Force for the long-term,” said Hoeven. “One way the Air Force can spur development and streamline costs is through public-private partnerships like what we have developed between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Grand Sky. I invited Col. Henderson to Grand Forks to see firsthand the important advancements in UAS. I look forward to working with Col. Henderson and helping to move his confirmation through the Senate as quickly as possible.”

A native of South Dakota, Col. Henderson became the Commander of the Omaha District for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2015. Since that time, Hoeven has worked with Col. Henderson on a variety of projects throughout North Dakota including flood projects along the Missouri River and construction projects at North Dakota military installations.

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