SARATOGA, N.Y., – Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik called on the Department of the Army to accelerate $69.2 million in funding to urgently address failing infrastructure at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, located at Fort Drum, New York—home of the 10th Mountain Division, the most deployed division in the U.S. Army since 9/11.
In a request to Army leadership, Stefanik urged the Army to reprogram Army Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) funds currently scheduled for Fiscal Year 2027 into Fiscal Year 2026.
The funding is critical to replacing deteriorating electric power systems at the airfield—essential infrastructure that supports the rapid deployment and mission readiness of the 10th Mountain Division.
In the letter, Stefanik states, "The Army is engaged in global operations to execute President Trump’s agenda of America First Peace through Strength leadership on the world stage. To ensure that these operations continue smoothly, I urge you to accelerate $69,200,000 in Army Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) funding, currently programmed for Fiscal Year 2027, to Fiscal Year 2026 to improve the airfield electrical power infrastructure at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield at Fort Drum, New York."
Stefanik continues, "Fort Drum plays a critical role in our national defense as the home of the 10th Mountain Division, the most deployed division in the U.S. Army since September 11, 2001. The 10th Mountain Division is currently supporting key missions such as homeland defense at the U.S. southern border and advancing U.S. interests working with partners and allies in the Middle East. The functionality of this airfield is essential to maintaining the rapid deployment capabilities and operational readiness of the division. However, the current condition of the airfield’s electric power system is rapidly deteriorating. This poses an unacceptable risk to flight operations, training, and Army support for U.S. power projection in the near-term."
Stefanik adds, "Delaying repairs to the Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield’s electric power system until FY27 jeopardizes the Army’s capacity to support high-priority missions. By allocating $69.2 million to the project within the Army’s FSRM account in FY26 instead of FY27, the Army can address this urgent infrastructure priority at the time of need."
Stefanik concluded, "For these reasons, I am seeking your support in realigning this critical funding to FY26. I am ready to work with you to deliver the Army this nation needs and as such, respectfully request an update on this effort following the release of the President’s Budget Request for FY26. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and your ongoing service to our U.S. Army."
Read the letter here.
