Sioux City Times

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) has led the Iowa congressional delegation in urging leaders of the U.S. Senate and House Armed Services Committees to retain funding for military construction projects at Sioux Gateway Airport in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The request, made in a letter sent to committee leadership, emphasizes the need to repair and replace the runway used by the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing. The letter also asks for inclusion of funds for an aircraft parking apron and a warm-up/holding pad.

“This is the first time in U.S. history that support for the 185th ARW was included in any version of the NDAA, which is a huge win for the Iowa Air National Guard and the community of Sioux City,” said Rep. Feenstra. “These projects will help repair and replace the airport’s runway, replace the aircraft parking apron, and construct a warm-up and holding pad for the KC-135 Stratotanker. I will keep advocating that these critical military investments are funded and completed so that the 185th can continue to execute its mission flawlessly and professionally.”

The Sioux Gateway Airport serves as a base for refueling operations crucial to national defense missions.

Rep. Feenstra has represented Iowa’s 4th district in Congress since 2021 after succeeding Steve King. He previously served in the Iowa Senate from 2009 to 2021. Born in Hull, Iowa, in 1969, Feenstra graduated from Dordt University with a bachelor’s degree in 1991 and continues to reside in Hull.

The full letter sent by Feenstra and his colleagues can be accessed online.