In the News

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Congressman Richard Neal Thursday announced funding for construction of a new cargo-jet hangar at Westover Air Reserve Base.

Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee is home to a fleet of eight C-5-M Super Galaxy Military cargo jets. But all 50 of the U.S. Air force's C-5-M's will eventually be serviced at a $42.6 million maintenance Hangar that will be built at Westover.

Congressman Richard Neal announced plans for the new maintenance hangar at Westover Thursday. It will replace a  facility built at the base 70 years ago and will require the demolition of two vintage Hangars from that era.

The state-of-the-art addition to the base will solidify Westover's role in the region as an economic generator.   

"There are more than 5,000 jobs located on the base, economically a huge generator of support for the entire valley of western Massachusetts," said Congressman Richard Neal.

"Westover is a very important component in Chicopee, but it's a regional facility that makes a big difference to all our communities," Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos said.

Westover is the nation's largest air reserve base, connecting Chicopee to cargo craft across the country.

"Westover touches all the C-5s located in the fleet about four times as often as any organization, so we are replacing critical infrastructure here to support that C-5 mission," 39th Airlift Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Scott Durham told 22News. 

No word yet on when construction will begin for the new C-5 M Super Galaxy maintenance hangar.