Congressman Simpson weighs in on No F-35's in Idaho
Idaho was hoping for a $1 billion boost in the state's economy from up to 3,000 new personnel and 144 planes at two sites, but was among the states passed over during this round of selection.
A Simpson spokesman says given the number of F-35s being built, ``Gowen Field and Mountain Home remain strong contenders'' for future decisions. An Air Force official says the other sites, which she called ``reasonable alternatives,'' will continue to be evaluated as part of environmental studies.
Gowen got some consolation when it was named a finalist for a C-27J Spartan cargo plane operational mission.
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