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Bill Supporting NJ’s Candidacy for Federal Award of F-35 Jets at Atlantic City Air Base Unanimously Passes Full Assembly

In order to advance New Jersey’s candidacy as a location for the United States Air Force to deploy its F-35 Joint Strike fighter jets, three Assembly Democrats have sponsored legislation that would facilitate air quality studies at the 177th Air National Guard base in Atlantic City International Airport.

The bill (A-270), sponsored by Assemblymen John Armato, Vincent Mazzeo and Joseph Danielsen, would appropriate $50,000 to the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) for the implementation of the air quality studies. These studies would help bolster the state’s application with the federal government.

Upon the bill unanimously passing the full Assembly Monday, the sponsors released the following statements:

“Our base in Egg Harbor Township, right outside Atlantic City, has both the design and resources necessary to house the Air Force’s F-35 fighter jets,” said Assemblyman Armato (D-Atlantic). “The 177th Fighter Wing is ready to go on active alert at all times to support the East Coast’s air defense in the event of a threat. What better location to place these stealth multirole jets than a base that is always ready to protect our country at a moment’s notice?”

“Conducting these air quality studies will help the federal government see our state as an even more viable candidate for its selection,” said Assemblyman Mazzeo (D-Atlantic). “It is our hope the Air Force will realize the benefits of choosing the 177th as the base for these jets, including the fact that it is located practically equidistant from two major U.S. cities – Washington, D.C. and New York City.”

“The hard-working and highly trained members of the Air National Guard stationed at the 177th are ready and able to handle the responsibilities of housing these jets at their base,” said Assemblyman Danielsen (D-Middlesex, Somerset). “Bringing the F-35’s to Atlantic County would help ensure a robust presence of the Department of Defense in our state for decades to come.”

The bill will now go to the Senate.