Rep. Crank and SecAF Meink Announce New Investments in Colorado Springs

May 29, 2026
Press Release

COLORADO SPRINGS, C.O. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) joined Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink at Schriever Space Force Base to announce new investments for the Pikes Peak Region.

Included in today's announcement:

  • The Space Force’s Infrastructure Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) will be headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base (SFB):
    • Through Rep. Crank’s leadership in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Space Force PAEs will have more than 90% of all decision authorities, making them powerful decision makers as the Space Force continues to grow.
    • This streamlined approach allows the Space Force to work with Colorado Springs companies to get cutting-edge technology to warfighters at speed.
    • Growing out of the Space Force's former Operational Test and Training Infrastructure office and its $4 billion portfolio, the Infrastructure PAE brings significant new investment and employment opportunities to the Pikes Peak Region.
  • The Department will construct a new, $250 million Space Force Operations Facility at Schriever SFB that will support 2,500 civilian jobs:
    • This significant investment in our region exemplifies the growing necessity to own the “ultimate high ground” of space in modern combat.
    • The new facility will support essential missions such as Golden Dome, space-based reconnaissance, and all-domain command and control.
  • Space Force Personnel Growth:
    • In the FY27 NDAA, Rep. Crank is securing language to support Secretary Meink’s goal of doubling the size of the Space Force in the next few years
    • This year’s bill will increase the number of 2nd Lieutenants coming to Peterson SFB to complete the Officer Training Course by 300%.
    • With over half of all Space Force Guardians calling El Paso County home, this end strength increase will further invest in our local economy.
  • Rep. Crank expressed continued support for the potential increase in the United States Air Force Academy cadet wing to return the Academy to the same size as the Naval Academy and West Point and to support the additional needs of the Space Force.   

"Over half of all Space Force Guardians live in the Pikes Peak Region," said Rep. Crank. "As the Space Force continues to grow, so will our community. I’m grateful to President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Secretary Meink for their continued commitment to El Paso County and delighted that the investments Secretary Meink announced today solidify that commitment for the long term. Colorado Springs is proud to have been a strong partner of the Department of the Air Force for over eight decades, and I’m confident that our best days are still ahead."

"The Department of the Air Force is grateful for our enduring partnership with the State of Colorado," said Secretary Meink. "As home to nearly half of all uniformed Space Force Guardians, Colorado remains a vital anchor for our national security mission. Our ongoing investments and collaboration are a tangible representation of our continued commitment to Colorado and the future of the Space Force.”

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