The Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center does a lot for Northeast Michigan.

In addition to its primary function of preparing the National Guard to protect or aid us in emergencies, it boosts the region’s economy by bringing guardsmen to our area who spend in our restaurants and shop in our stores. It does so by bringing military personnel from around the globe to the region for Northern Strike training exercises.

And it helps put Alpena on the map, bringing immeasurable other benefits to our area as folks visit and invest because they heard about Alpena through the CRTC.

That’s why we’re excited to read the CRTC could receive $23 million to build a new, state-of-the-art aircraft hangar and accompanying maintenance facilities, which would ensure Alpena can host the most modern aircrafts, according to an announcement from U.S. Sen. Gary Peters.

The money is included in the defense spending bill still making its way through Congress but likely to get final OK.

The money only increases the opportunities for the CRTC to draw folks to Northeast Michigan, and that’s good for all of us.

Thanks goes to Peters for helping secure that funding, and we hope Congress and President Joe Biden gives it the final OK.