NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station broke ground on a $11.3 million fitness center on Wednesday.
In addition to having a modern look, a colonel on the base says the new facility will meet current fitness trends and offer group training for the 914th Air Refueling Wing.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says getting a new fitness center is the right move for the base, especially when it offers more than training.
"We are losing far too many veterans to suicide," Hochul said. "More than we're losing on the battlefield, more than we're losing in the theater. So while they're here, while they're a part of the active military family, in all branches, we need to address their emotional health needs. And there's a direct connection between physical health and mental health."
Hochul says more than $200 million has been invested in the base over the past few years.
The new facility is expected to open in 2021.
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