RECOGNIZING THE BOISE AIRPORT

RECOGNIZING THE BOISE AIRPORT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S799] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE BOISE AIRPORT Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boise Airport. This milestone is a celebration of the airport's history and its contributions to our regional commerce, travel, and national defense. The Boise Airport is a remarkable display of Idaho excellence. In 1926, volunteers from the city of Boise and nearby towns, including the Boy Scouts and veterans of the Civil, Indian, and Spanish-American wars, came together to build Idaho's first municipal airport along the Boise River, the site of present-day Boise State University. On April 6, 1926, the first U.S. commercial airmail flight took off, marking the beginning of a new era for the Gem State. By 1936, the city of Boise began acquiring the land for the current airport at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base. Two years later, it was home to an 8,800-foot-long runway, the longest in the Nation at the time. Shortly after the United States entered World War II in 1941, Gowen Field was leased by the Army Air Corps, where over 6,000 personnel were stationed during the war. The airport became a combat training school for B-24 Liberator bomber and B-17 Flying Fortress crews. These troops were deployed to units like the 100th Bomb Group in the European theater. Since World War II, the airport has maintained a strong civilian-military partnership with the Air National Guard, enhancing our national security and local economy. Over the past century, the Boise Airport has become a critical asset for the city of Boise and our region. In 2025, the airport served more than 5 million passengers and supported over 32,000 commercial flights on 8 airlines, consistently outpacing national averages. It now connects travelers to 27 nonstop destinations, bolstering Boise's reputation as one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The Boise Airport contributes nearly $3 billion annually to the State's economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs in aviation, logistics, hospitality, and related industries across the Gem State. Ongoing expansion projects will ensure the airport meets the needs of Boiseans, can support Idaho's growing population and economy, and deliver top- tier traveler satisfaction. I am confident the Boise Airport will continue to be a vital engine of opportunity for Idahoans, forging connections to people and industries across the country. Congratulations to the exceptional leadership and staff on this extraordinary milestone. ____________________