WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the National Center for Aviation Training in Sedgwick County, Kansas. "Although there are many challenges facing the aviation industry, including direct foreign subsidies to Wichita's competitors, Wichita is and will remain the aviation capital of the world," said Brownback. "The Center for Aviation Training will help maintain Wichita's competitive advantage by training the next generation of aviation workers." Brownback secured $500,000 in funds for the National Center for Aviation Training in FY '06 and $1,000,000 in FY '08. Brownback has events planned in Sedgwick, Montgomery, Labette, Crawford, Bourbon, Hodgeman, Shawnee, Reno, Johnson, Wyandotte, Ellis, Rush, Ness, Saline, Ottawa, Cloud and Clay Counties with additional details to follow for additional counties the week of March 24, 2008. So far this year, Brownback has visited Atchison, Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Lyon, Miami, Osage, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wabaunsee Counties. -30-