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Air Force plans to spend $3 billion to rebuild hurricane-ravaged Florida base

Published  February 1, 2019 2:48pm EST
News
FOX 35 Orlando
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Hangers once used to keep aircraft out of the elements now lie scattered across the flight line following Hurricane Michael on October 10, 2018. U.S. Air Force photo.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (AP) - Air Force officials say they are committed to spending $3 billion during the next five years to rebuild a Florida base heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael.

The assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and energy announced the Tyndall Air Force Base reconstruction plans Thursday to local officials in Florida's Panhandle.

The Panama City News Herald reports Assistant Secretary John Henderson said the plans will be submitted to Congress this spring. 

Bay County officials said the effort likely will create up between 4,000 and 5,000 jobs.  

The October hurricane hammered the base, with roofs torn from airplane hangars and cars tossed around. 

An apparent tornado last month did even more damage.

Tyndall is home to the nation's 325th Fighter Wing. More than 3,600 men and women are stationed there.