Long-delayed upgrades are finally moving forward at Fort Drum’s Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield after Congress approved $18 million in new defense funding.
U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the money will modernize the airfield’s aging lighting and electrical infrastructure, a long-standing top priority for Fort Drum leadership.
The funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 defense spending bill signed into law earlier this week. The senators said the project is critical to maintaining readiness for the 10th Mountain Division, the Army’s most deployed regular unit.
Wheeler-Sack serves as the primary departure airfield for the division and plays a key role in training, troop movement, and unmanned aircraft operations. But much of its lighting system dates back decades, with more than 70% currently rated not mission capable.
Schumer said the deteriorating system has forced crews to rely on temporary fixes that fall short of long-term solutions. He warned that without upgrades, the division would face reduced mobility and deployable readiness.
Gillibrand said the investment strengthens national security while supporting service members stationed at Fort Drum. She called the upgrades long overdue and essential for meeting today’s operational demands.
Local leaders also welcomed the funding. Jefferson County Administrator Ryan Piche said Fort Drum generates more than $2.5 billion in annual economic activity for the region and called continued investment a win for both national defense and the local economy.
The $18 million will fund the first phase of a much larger restoration effort. Army planners estimate the full modernization of Wheeler-Sack’s lighting and electrical systems could exceed $200 million across multiple phases.
The senators said they will continue pushing for additional funding in future budgets to complete the project. They also cautioned that as work moves forward, parts of the airfield may need to shut down temporarily, adding urgency to completing the upgrades quickly.
The announcement follows other recent defense investments at Fort Drum, including funding for aircraft storage, training facilities, and infrastructure projects aimed at supporting the 10th Mountain Division’s mission.
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