SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (KGUN) — Fort Huachuca is getting a new mission that should help ensure its place as a key to the Sierra Vista economy.
KGUN 9 sat down with Congressman Ciscomani, who says he's been working on getting the new mission assigned to Fort Huachuca for at least a year.
"Every time, I just kept using the relationships that we have within the Department of War and the White House, and every angle I can get on this," Ciscomani stated.
Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s office announced the new mission, and mentioned the Secretary of the Air Force, but was not specific about the nature of the new mission or about any timeline for when it would become operational.
"They have asked us to really keep things sensitive. This is all regarding national security, so we have to be careful about what we share at this moment," Ciscomani said.
However, Ciscomani has been working to secure a Space Force mission for Fort Huachuca.
Fort Huachuca is home to the Army’s Intelligence School. Its intelligence mission also includes a lot of sophisticated electronics work.
With large numbers of active duty military as well as civilian workers, Fort Huachuca is the largest employer in Cochise County, and a key to the economy of Sierra Vista.
Sky Island Regional Partnership CEO Melany Edwards-Barton says that the community is looking forward to the new mission.
"The fact of the matter is, missions don't come to an area that is not supported by its community," Barton said. "We have a supportive community down here that is willing to support."
Barton says that Fort Huachuca already brings over $3 billion in revenue to Cochise county, and she believes that with a new mission, that number is only going to grow.
"Bringing in another mission adds jobs. It adds another level of financial security to our region. The economic impact is going to be fabulous," Barton said.
When asked about concerns about Fort Huachuca's future in Sierra Vista, she said that the new mission is a good sign for the base's long-term plan in Cochise County.
" I can't tell you that the fort won't ever shut down, but what I can tell you is that there's support here," Barton stated.
----
STAY IN TOUCH WITH US ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
