The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce joined 47 other business organizations in a group letter supporting an update to Colorado’s Firefighting Air Fleet.

The letter, sent to US Senators Bennett and Hickenlooper and US Representatives DeGette, Neguse, Hurd, Boebert, Crank, Evans, Pettersen & Crow, urged them to support the upgrade of the Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing’s aging C-130H aircraft to newer C-130Js. The 302nd, based at Peterson Space Force Base, is the only Air Force Reserve Command unit equipped for aerial firefighting. A critical mission as wildfires in Colorado grow more frequent and severe.

This $1 billion investment in eight next-generation C-130J planes is essential to the continued strength of our national defense, emergency response capabilities, and Colorado’s economic future. With wildfires burning an average of 7.5 million acres annually across the state, the need for modern, efficient aircraft is not abstract—it is immediate and deeply tied to the safety of our communities and the resilience of our infrastructure.

Beyond safety, this upgrade is vital for economic stability. The military presence at Peterson and Schriever contributes $4.4 billion annually to Colorado’s economy. The aging C-130Hs, built in 1994, are less efficient, more expensive to maintain, and risk making the base vulnerable to future downsizing. Replacing them with C-130Js strengthens the base’s long-term viability and helps preserve the thousands of jobs it supports.

On Thursday, May 22, 77 Members of Congress requested support from the Subcommittee on Defense—including bipartisan support from Colorado’s Delegation. We are proud to stand with chambers across Colorado in supporting the mission and future of the 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Space Force Base.