16-04-2025
U.S. commits $13M for small arms range at 181st in Terre Haute
The 181st Intelligence Wing at the Air National Guard Base in Terre Haute will benefit from a $13 million federal investment to build a small arms qualification range.
U.S. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, shared that in a news release Wednesday.
'I'm pleased that the Air Force is following through on its commitment to build the small arms range in Terre Haute," the senator wrote. "This project will ensure commanders can quickly get their troops weapons-qualified before being deployed overseas.'
As a member of the U.S. House, then-Rep. Banks pushed for construction of the small arms range.
Currently, the base in Terre Haute does not have a certified small arms training range, and Guardsmen must travel to state and local partners to meet their annual weapons qualification.
Nearly 900 service members are stationed in Terre Haute.
The project has an estimated completion date of April 20, 2027.
On his Facebook page, Vigo County Commissioner Mark Clinkenbeard wrote, "This is great news for the 181st ... and for the Terre Haute community.
"Thanks to all involved in helping to secure this investment. This is a great example of why advocacy at the State and Federal levels is so important, he said. Clinkenbeard and Commissioner Chris Switzer specifically thanked the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and RJL Solutions, a lobbying and PR firm based in Terre Haute.
Added Clinkenbeard, "There are other communities in the United States that are vying for these same types of investments into their bases. When the US government commits to this kind of investment, it's a good sign that they like what they see and and want to continue the operations.
"Sometimes current employers are taken for granted, with the thought that they will always be here. We don't want to take any employers for granted, and business retention is equally as important to us as business attraction. We will continue to work on both."
