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U.S. Forest Service Analysis Recommends that North Cascade Smokejumper Base Remain in Winthrop

August 15, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after securing a recommendation from the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region to maintain the North Cascades Smokejumper Base in Winthrop, WA.

"I am pleased to report that the U.S Forest Service informed me today that it finalized and adopted a recommendation to maintain the North Cascade Smokejumper Base in Winthrop," said Rep. Newhouse. "This is an important step in the right direction, and I was happy to work in Congress to help move this decision forward. The Smokejumper base contributes to the local economy as well as the disaster preparedness level of the local community, and I will continue to support keeping it in Winthrop."

In July, Rep. Newhouse ensured that the Interior Appropriations bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee included his language supporting the North Cascades Smokejumper Base remaining in Winthrop. The language below was added to the bill report:

"The Committee is aware the North Cascades Smokejumper Base may need facility upgrades, improvements, and renovations to meet Federal Aviation Administration compliance standards and requirements. The Committee understands the value to the local community of maintaining the North Cascades Smokejumper Base in Winthrop, Washington, and appreciates the site's historical significance as the birthplace of the United States' Smokejumping program. The Committee directs the [U.S. Forest Service] provide a report on the needs of the North Cascades Smokejumper Base, as well as its other smokejumper bases, and to include in the report a description of the effect each has on the economy and disaster preparedness level of its local community."