Local officials from Grand Forks, N.D., have started exploring options for the post-BRAC life of Grand Forks Air Force Base, according to the Grand Forks Herald. Grand Forks, the base, will lose its KC-135 tanker mission as part of BRAC 2005 actions, but it is slated to pick up a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle operation. City officials say they plan to work with DOD’s Office of Economic Adjustment and other nearby communities. The Air National Guard unit at Fargo, N.D., already is looking to piggyback on the Grand Forks Predator mission. And, the state is setting up a UAV center of excellence at the University of North Dakota, which has enlisted the aid of Lockheed Martin. It would seem North Dakota is well ahead of the game.
The Senate passed Republicans’ sweeping tax-and-spending package July 1 in a 51-50 vote, the culmination of a 27-hour marathon legislative session. The package—often called the reconciliation bill—includes a $150 billion package of defense funds that accounts for a significant portion of the money the Air Force and Space Force want…