Washington, D.C.--Sixth District U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas sent a letter Wednesday to two House Committees and to other Members of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to seek their support for $4.4 million for the expansion of the physical fitness center located at Vance Air Force Base in Enid.

"Vance will be increasing its student pilot personnel due to its excellence in pilot training and the overall downsizing of the military, and the current physical fitness facility is overcrowded and will not be able to accommodate the upcoming influx of personnel," Lucas said. "At present, the training center is not adequate to even support existing force needs, with decreases in training efficiency and safety being the result."

The design for the Bradley Fitness and Sports Center has been funded by Congress and is already underway. This letter requests that $4.4 million go toward the actual construction of the expansion of the fitness center. The project is included in the United States Air Force=s five year plan, showing their support and recognition of the need to expand the facility.

The letters of request by Lucas were sent to the House National Security Subcommittee on Military Installations and Facilities and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction.

"This Congress has proved its confidence in Vance Air Force Base=s vitality through several approved funding efforts in recent years," Lucas said. "I am hopeful that they will see fit to approve this request also."