Klobuchar, Smith Visit 133rd Airlift Wing to Announce Funding Secured for the MN Air National Guard in Senate-Passed Legislation

MINNEAPOLIS - Today U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) visited 133rd Airlift Wing to announce that the Senate approved $5,200,000 in funding for the Minnesota Air National Guard to design a C-130J Fuel Cell Maintenance Hangar, as part of the 2026 appropriations legislation. This legislation now goes to the House of Representatives for a vote.

"I fought for this funding for the Minnesota National Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing to ensure our brave servicemembers have the right resources and latest equipment to successfully carry out their missions, including aircraft and the facilities needed to maintain them," said Klobuchar. "As the first federally-recognized Air unit in the National Guard, the 133rd Airlift Wing is a historic unit and is integral to our state, the National Guard, and our country's security. The men and women who put their lives on the line to serve our state and defend our country deserve our support."

"I fought to secure C-130Js for the Minnesota National Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing and now we need to prepare the infrastructure to support them," said Smith. "This funding is a key initial step toward the new hangar needed for these aircraft, which will keep Minnesotans safe and modernize our fleet."

The funding would help design a new C-130J Maintenance Hangar at 133rd Airlift Wing that will accommodate new, larger C-130J aircraft. For these funds to be delivered, the project will still need to be included in the final appropriations bill passed by the House as well and signed into law.

Senators Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called "Congressionally Directed Spending" (CDS). During the CDS process, Senators Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state. This funding was included in the Senate appropriation bills for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA).

Photos from today's announcement can be found here and here.

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