The Durango Chamber of Commerce joined the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders in supporting Colorado’s Firefighting Air Fleet. In a letter to US Senators Bennett and Hickenlooper and US Representatives DeGette, Neguse, Hurd, Boebert, Crank, Evans, Pettersen & Crow, they urge Congress to support the upgrade of the 302nd Airlift Wing’s aging C-130H aircraft to newer C-130Js. Based at Peterson Space Force Base, the 302nd is the only Air Force Reserve Command unit equipped for aerial firefighting, a critical mission as wildfires in Colorado grow more frequent and severe.

They sent the request on Monday, and on Thursday received word that 77 Members of Congress requested support from the Subcommittee on Defense—including bipartisan support from Colorado’s Delegation.