MINOT (AP) - Members of North Dakota's congressional delegation say they have been officially told the Air Force will create a new squadron of B-52 bombers at the Minot Air Force Base.

That will add 10 active bombers to the base, bringing the total to 22, and hundreds of personnel. The economic impact to the area is estimated at $75 million.

The Air Force has said it plans to add the second bomber squadron to put a stronger emphasis on nuclear mission training for B-52 units.

"Minot Air Force Base is the preferred location for a fourth operational B-52 squadron to meet Department of Defense requirements for a full rapid response commitment to the nation's strategic mission," said Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz, a spokeswoman for the base.

Ortiz said the next step is an environmental impact analysis, scheduled to begin soon to assess resources, training and personnel changes.

"Pending a favorable environmental impact analysis, the B-52 squadron would stand up at Minot Air Force Base by late 2009 to early 2010," Ortiz said.

Earlier this year, the base's economic impact was estimated at $371 million a year in the area. It listed 11,159 personnel, including 4,553 military members.

The state's congressional delegation also is urging Air Force leaders to house a new nuclear command at the Minot base.

The Air Combat Command is retiring 18 B-52 bombers, half from the Minot base and half from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Ortiz said the last of the Minot bombers scheduled to be retired will leave the base Dec. 4.

The retiring bombers are going to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, which stores and strips retired military aircraft for spare parts.