Upgrades slated for WPAFB following passing of defense budget

Over $1 billion in federal funding is allocated for projects at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base following the signing of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.

The yearly act signed Friday by President Obama authorizes $12.6 million to be used in consolidating two gates at the base for security and traffic flow and another $14.4 million for facility and equipment upgrades.

U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman announced the projects at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Friday.

"Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is critical to our nation's military and to southwest Ohio's economy," Brown said.

Another $1.1 billion will be allocated for Air Force Research and Development projects run out of the Air Force Research Laboratory at the base.

"This legislation will ensure that the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base remains a national leader in delivering world-class national security capabilities to our men and women in uniform by providing resources to help protect and improve the base." Portman said.