Schumer, Owens asking Army to completely reverse Drum cuts

WASHINGTON — Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., praised the Army Monday for restoring some funding to Fort Drum and other installations — but not quite enough, in the senator's view.

Mr. Schumer and Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, urged the Army to completely reverse the cut, which would return some $36 million to Fort Drum, instead of roughly $28 million reportedly restored through the Army's latest moves.

The funding cut has already led to job cuts as well as cancellation of an annual air show, but Mr. Schumer's office has said the jobs could be restored.

“Friday's announcement by the Army to reverse $500 million in cuts to our country's bases means that we have cleared a significant hurdle in reversing the cuts to Fort Drum,” Mr. Schumer said in a press release.

Mr. Schumer and Mr. Owens had brought the issue to the attention of Army Secretary John M. McHugh, whose advocacy for Fort Drum was a highlight of his congressional career representing the north country. But Mr. Owens said last week that he was working more directly with Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, head of the Army's installation command, and making progress with him on restoring funds.