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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2003

SCHUMER URGES RUMSFELD TO AWARD JOBS-PRODUCING COPTER CONTRACTS TO OWEGO'S LOCKHEED MARTIN PLANT

Pentagon is expected to pick new contractor to build next generation of presidential helicopters within the next year, Airforce also replacing helicopter used for search and rescue missions

Schumer: The estimated hundreds of jobs that could come if Lockheed gets these contracts would be a major boost for region that's lost 2,900 jobs over the last year

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer today urged Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to award two massive multi-million dollar contracts to Lockheed Martin's Owego plant. Lockheed estimates that if it were to get the contract to build helicopters that transport the president and a separate one to perform military search and rescue operations, the company would hire hundreds of additional employees in Owego.

"Times have been tough everywhere across the state, but few places have been hit as hard as Greater Binghamton," Schumer said. "There are a number of big contracts coming down the chute, so if we can get these first few, there could be a windfall down the line. This is still an uphill battle but the delegation will fight tooth and nail to convince the President and the Pentagon that Lockheed's helicopter is the best one out there."

The presidential fleet contract will likely be awarded to Lockheed Martin or Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. The contract, which could be the first of several big defense contracts over the next few years, is expected to be awarded over the next year and could result in hundreds of new jobs at Lockheed's Owego plant, according to the company. Another defense contract that could be awarded shortly after the presidential fleet contract involves replacing the aging HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters currently used in combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations.

"I believe that the US101’s mission reaction time, range, cabin space, survivability and adverse weather operability make it ideally suited to replace the HH-60 Pave Hawk as the U.S. Air Force’s CSAR aircraft," Schumer wrote in a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. "In addition to its proven performance, because this is an 'off the shelf' solution, the American taxpayer will not have to shoulder the costs of development."

The initial contract on the Presidential fleet would allow the selected company to lead production of presidential helicopters that fly the President from the White House lawn to local destinations or to Air Force One for longer trips. The aircrafts would be delivered by 2007.

The White House requested $197.4 million for the contract in its fiscal 2004 budget proposal, and both Houses of Congress have now authorized it, though both have yet to pass their defense spending bills.

"The economic surge that would be created by the influx of these hundreds of jobs could not come at a better time for the struggling Broome and Tioga counties," Schumer said. "I urge the Defense Department to consider using the US101 as the presidential helicopter for years to come."

Greater Binghamton has lost 2,900 jobs over the last year and 5,200 manufacturing jobs in the past two years. Lockheed Martin now employs 3,900 people in Owego and Britain.

For a copy of Schumer's letter to Secretary Rumsfeld click here.

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