U.S. Forest Service Expanding McClellan Air Park's Role In Wildfire Fighting Efforts

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SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — More planes, big money and lots of jobs appear to be on the way to McClellan Air Park as the U.S. Forest Service is expanding its firefighting role.

Currently there's only one air tanker on the tarmac, but federal officials are promising six more over the next few years.

The former Air Force Base was an economic driver for more than 60 years until the military pulled out on Sept. 21, 2001.

"We lost about 12,000 jobs just because of the closure and I believe $2 million in our economy which is huge as a whole," said Rep. Doris Matsui.

Since the closure, hundreds of private businesses have tried to fill that economic gap, and the latest federal firefighting upgrade should help.

"They're going to be maintenance workers, contract workers and pilots to help support the program for the next couple of years," said forest service spokeswoman Shawna Legarza.

She says the base will also offer training for those who want the jobs but aren't ready.

Hiring is expected to start sometime in 2016.