FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     
CONTACT: Amy Auth
202-225-2071

WASHINGTON – United States Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) is pleased to announce that she has secured $4 million in the FY06 Defense Appropriations Act for the development of military equipment at the Martin Marietta Composites plant in Sparta.  These funds will bring at least 18 to 24 new jobs to Alleghany County.  One company executive predicts that dozens of new jobs could later open up as a result.

“I would like to thank Congresswoman Foxx and her staff for working diligently on this important project,” said Grant Godwin, Vice President and General Manager of Martin Marietta Composites in Raleigh.  “If our company is successful in receiving contracts for the lightweight composite trailer chassis, we could open up to 100 new jobs in the area.”

The lightweight composite trailer chassis will help soldiers by revolutionizing the way the Army can transport equipment and cargo.

“This project meets two of my highest priorities,” said Rep. Foxx. “It gives our men and women in uniform the best possible equipment and brings jobs to Alleghany County.”