NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The U.S. Air Force has announced proposed restructuring it says will save nearly $9 billion over the next five years.

The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station will remain open but will be affected by the changes.

As part of the restructuring, officials plan to retire 286 aircraft over the next five years. Three C-130's from Niagara Falls would be eliminated as part of the plan.

The Niagara Military Affairs Council says this would result in the end of the flying mission for the 107th Airlift Wing.

Eight other cargo planes will be replaced with a different model.

Western New York's Congressional delegation, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Louise Slaughter, Brian Higgins and Kathy Hochul issued a joint statement Friday, saying, quote:

"The Niagara Air Base plays a central role in our national defense and emergency response, and must be protected. We will continue to make a strong case to the Secretary of Defense on behalf of the more than 3,000 men and women who work tirelessly to keep our country safe and strong."

A spokesperson for Congressman Higgins tells YNN that the delegation will meet with the Adjunct General of New York State in Washington, Wednesday to discuss the proposal.