MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
Just two weeks after the United States Air Force confirmed that it is altering its strategic guidance proposal, which will keep seven C-130s at Montgomery's Maxwell Air Force Base, more good news is coming to the River Region.
U.S. Representative Martha Roby [R-Dist 2] confirmed Thursday that there are plans to add an eighth aircraft to the 908th Airlift Wing.
"Our primary focus was ensuring the seven current aircraft would not fall victim to arbitrary relocation, but we were cautiously optimistic about the prospect of gaining an eighth plane," Roby said.
The plan to bring another C-130 to Montgomery is not set in stone, but Roby says the Air Force's updated plan calls for the addition.
"It's further confirmation that the 908th Airlift Wing is staying and growing, which is great news for the River Region."
"We are pleased to receive the second round of good news regarding the 908th," said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. "The opportunity to maintain and expand our aircraft and mission, as well as personnel will mean great jobs in Montgomery. It also puts us in an excellent position to maintain air opportunities and expand the footprint. We especially thank our congressional delegation for helping us with this important effort!"
Original Department of Defense plans called for the removal of all the C-130s from Maxwell or retire them for budgetary reasons as part of a $487 million, 10 year cost-saving plan.
A report published by the 908th found that retiring the fleet would put 700 jobs at Maxwell at risk.
If plans are finalized and an additional plane is sent to Montgomery, Roby's office says it will bring approximately 60 direct jobs with it.
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