WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita has received final approval to become the main operating site for the Air Force’s new KC-46A air refueling tanker.

Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran, along with U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo, announced Tuesday that the base in Wichita passed an environmental study, the final requirement for receiving the 36 new tankers.

The Air Force selected McConnell in May 2013 to be the home for the new tankers, pending the outcome of the environmental study.

The Wichita Eagle reports the decision means the base can start spending $219 million to prepare for the tankers, which are expected to arrive in early 2016.

The aircraft will replace the aging KC-135 fleet flown by crews for nearly 60 years.