Nearly $100 million secured since 2020
Shreveport, Louisiana – BRF, a leading economic development organization headquartered in Shreveport, announced today the acquisition of $36.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to bolster innovation and technology initiatives for Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), based at Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB) in North Louisiana.
The funding, a result of collaborative efforts between Louisiana’s congressional delegation and BRF, aims to provide essential resources for AFGSC to address its innovation and commercial technology integration requirements. Since 2020, BRF has actively partnered with federal lawmakers to secure a total of $95.5 million in funding, underscoring its commitment to solving key technology challenges while fostering economic growth in the region.
Air Force Global Strike Command holds a pivotal role in national security, overseeing the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the Air Force’s entire bomber force, including the B-52, and critical programs such as the Long-Range Strike Bomber (B-21) Program and the Air Force Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) systems.
“Global Strike Command and Barksdale Air Force Base are critical to our nation’s security and the economic vitality of North Louisiana,” emphasized BRF President and CEO, John F. George Jr., M.D. “With the support of Louisiana’s congressional delegation, we are proud to facilitate the modernization and enhancement of AFGSC’s mission capabilities, ensuring readiness to meet national strategic needs and operational demands worldwide.”
Barksdale Air Force Base stands as a cornerstone of the Shreveport-Bossier City area, serving as the largest employer and a significant contributor to the local economy. In 2022 alone, BAFB’s total economic impact exceeded $919.8 million, highlighting its indispensable role in sustaining regional prosperity.
BRF, founded with a vision to establish North Louisiana as a premier destination for high-growth initiatives, operates across seven key economic development initiatives. These efforts span business recruitment, workforce development, STEM education, biomedical research, entrepreneurial support, and brownfields development, demonstrating a holistic approach to driving economic diversification and advancement in the region.
The latest injection of federal funding underscores BRF’s unwavering dedication to fostering innovation, economic resilience, and strategic partnerships, positioning North Louisiana as a beacon of opportunity and prosperity.
For more information about BRF and its initiatives, visit www.brf.org.
