After much wrangling, legislation signed into law by President Barack Obama funds an additional 15 Boeing EA-18G Growlers in the 2015 fiscal year budget.

This “indicates the planes’ importance to our national defense strategy in this age of new technology,” said Congressman Rick Larsen in an emailed statement.

However, the bill does not mean Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, which houses most of the Navy’s Growlers, will “automatically house 15 more active Growlers,” Larsen said.

“The number of Growlers operating at NASWI will be determined by the ongoing Environmental Impact Statement,” Larsen said.  “The Navy is currently considering the input it received as it prepares the draft EIS.”

The draft EIS is expected to be released in spring of next year and a decision issued by spring of 2017.

The Navy requested 22 originally and the number fell as low as five during negotiations for both the national defense bill and the omnibus spending bill.

The 15 aircraft are expected to cost $1.46 billion, according to a December summary of the bill.

The Navy will complete its transition to the Growler electronic attack aircraft from the EA-6B Prowler this year. Some locals have complained about the noise levels associated with the new aircraft.

“I have always been clear in my support for NASWI’s role as one of the country’s premier Navy installations, the Growlers being stationed at the base, and the necessary training such as field carrier landing practice to make sure our servicemen and women are prepared,” said Larsen. “I will continue listening to residents’ concerns and working with community members and local leaders to address the impacts of noise.”