mangrumsNet

An update on the F35 possibly coming to Idaho was givent to the attendees of the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce by Air Force Col. Peter Lee.  He told those at the luncheon on May 18th that a preferred list of bases could be announced in July or August.  Both Idaho bases, Mountain Home Airforce Base and Gowen Field in Boise, are still in the running.  More at MagicValley.com.

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The state government has really started to promote this locally. It would be very good for Idaho jobs and economy. They say that it will bring 3000 new jobs to the area. From idahof35.com:

Military aviation has been in Idaho for more than 60 years, and together our two military installations provide more than $1 billion to the Idaho economy each year. Our Air Force and Air National Guard bases now are home to 73 fighter aircraft that soon will be phased out. Making sure that we replace our current planes with the new F-35 will guarantee that these bases continue to provide their high level of economic impact for the next 50 years.

Beyond these direct jobs, getting these missions will generate a critical mass of economic development in the private sector that comes from the need to support a large number of planes. For example, if Idaho was to become a maintenance depot, supporting businesses would need to be established outside the gates, creating even more jobs for Idahoans.