Lincoln, Neb. — A legislative committee heard testimony on Gering Sen. Brian Hardin’s LB712, which would allocate $26 million to help Panhandle communities adjust to a coming influx of workers to upgrade U.S. Air Force nuclear missiles and their silos. Hardin and other proponents told the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Thursday that the funds are needed by the communities to make upgrades in preparation for a large influx of people involved in the project….
The Air Force plans to replace its 450 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and upgrade their silos across five states to house newer Ground Based Strategic Deterrent missiles by 2036. Most associated with Cheyenne’s F.E. Warren Air Force Base are based in the Panhandle. Sen. Hardin previously has said that he is concerned the federal government could leave it up to Kimball and other Panhandle towns to foot the bill to accomodate the temporary workers.
Unicameral Update reported that Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard, testified in a neutral capacity. Modernizing the nation’s missile system is critical to the country’s national security and defense strategy, he said, but the cost of such an upgrade is “best funded” by the initiating institution – in this case, the U.S. Air Force.
Bohac also expressed concern that the bill as written does not provide any resources to the adjutant general’s office to administer the grant program.
No one testified in opposition to LB712 and the committee took no immediate action on the proposal.
