City answers questions on Vets Park F-15 memorial
/
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - A recent controversial topic involving the installation of a decommissioned Kingsley Field F-15 Eagle in Klamath Falls’ Veterans Park continues and the City of Klamath Falls hopes to dispel any myths regarding the project. The City answers several questions regarding the proposed display.
How did the City get the F-15 Static Memorial?
After a series of discussions between the City of Klamath Falls, Klamath County Government, and Kinglsey Field over several years, the City of Klamath Falls was approved and selected as a site for a decommissioned F-15 from Kingsley Field to be placed in Veterans Park. Interestingly, the F-15 was intended to go to another state; however, to save a large amount of money in shipping costs, operational costs in coordinating its relocation, etc. the City of Klamath Falls was moved up in its ranking and selected due to its proximity to Kingsley Field.
Why is the F-15 Static Memorial going in Veterans Park?
Veterans Park and the Veterans Memorial located within Veterans Park was always intended to be expanded. The mission of Veterans Park is to create a timeless tribute honoring and recognizing past and present men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Park will serve as a quiet reminder of the honor, courage and sacrifice of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have served. Veterans Park will be a place set aside for honor, remembrance and reflection, demonstrating how the citizens of Klamath Falls cherish and embrace the sacrifice and dedication of all veterans and service members.
The F15 Static Memorial is an appropriate addition to Veterans Park as the City continues to expand on memorial monuments within the Park to honor those who served in uniform and the battles they fought to protect our nation's freedoms.
What is the purpose of the F15 Static Memorial?
HONOR: to be a perpetual memorial that will display respect, remembrance and gratitude to area patriots that without reservation or hesitation, served our nation with dignity and loyalty.
INSPIRE: to provide a lasting impression to younger generations of the priceless services and sacrifices that forged our freedoms that may enhance their willingness to act and do the same.
EDUCATE: be a platform displaying our community's rich military heritage and benefit area educational institutions with a robust resource to enhance learning. This venue will be a learning environment that helps reveal history that has had a long-term impact on our nation's founding and present existence.
ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Along with many Americans, COVID-19 dealt a blow on our community but the economic impacts our community has suffered gain little attention given its size. When the opportunity arose to not only draw visitors, travelers, bloggers, and more to our area with the implementation of an attractive memorial addition to our Veterans Park - the City of Klamath Falls and Klamath County Government worked cohesively to bring the project to fruition.
Why are you using "COVID Funding" to pay for the F15 Static Memorial?
Regarding the funding of the memorial and inaccurate references to "COVID Funding," it is important to differentiate between the CARES Act and ARP Act. Though both contained economic relief for state and local government, each have different funding allocations, requirements for spending, and fund usage deadlines. Some types of spending that may not be eligible for CARES Act funding, are valid under ARPA. According to the Treasury, recipients of ARPA funds have "broad flexibility to decide how best to use this funding".
The ARP Act federal relief package included $360 billion for State and Local Government Fiscal Recovery Funds to be utilized to rebuild a stronger economy as the country recovers. The City Council chose to use our portion of these funds to replace lost public sector revenue, which is an eligible use of ARPA funding. The City selected projects that meet Council priorities relating to infrastructure, police protection, tourism, and beautification.
How much is the City spending on the F15 Static Memorial?
There is a misconception that the City is spending $600,000 on the F15 Static Memorial. The decommissioned F15 is being provided to the City at no cost from the United States Air Force through cooperation with Kingsley Field and after many years of discussion and collaboration with Klamath County Government, both the City and the County have dedicated $300,000 to the F15 Static Memorial. We are honored to partner with Klamath County Government and Kingsley Field on the addition of the memorial to our Veterans Park. We look forward to welcoming many visitors who come to honor and pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces by visiting and exploring the memorial, our beautiful City and surrounding community.