For Release: Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO SECURES $88 MILLION FOR NEW C-40 AT SCOTT AFB

Defense Appropriations Bill also Contains Funding for Intelligence Center and Ammunition

Washington -Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that he has secured $88 million for one new C-40 aircraft for Scott Air Force Base (AFB) as part of the Defense Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2009. The new C-40 begins the process of replacing the C-9 aircraft currently in use, and will maintain the 1,000 jobs at the 932nd Airlift Wing. In 2004, Costello led the effort to secure $265.3 million for the first three C-40 aircraft at Scott and maintain the C-9 mission.

“This is an important step in ensuring adequate airlift capability for the United States and ensuring the flying missions located at Scott,” said Costello. “I have worked closely with the Air Force and House leadership on this issue, and both understand the important role that the C-40s play in our national security structure.”

Costello also secured $13.99 million to construct a new Joint Intelligence Operations Center at Scott AFB as part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2009. This building will be an addition to the U.S Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) headquarters complex.

Both the Defense and Military Construction bills were considered as part of a Continuing Resolution to fund the government into March 2009. Other projects in the Defense bill include:

• $4.4m for 25 mm High Explosive Air Burst, ammunition for the Bushmaster cannon, which is the primary weapon on the Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) and the US Marines’ Light Armor Vehicle (LAV). The Army projects that the BFV will be in service to 2051 and anticipates growth in the BFV fleet. The ammunition will be produced in Marion, Illinois.
• $2.4m for PGU-14 API Armor Piercing Incendiary, 30 mm ammunition, the only API tactical cartridge for the A-10 aircraft. It will be produced in Marion, Illinois.
• $1.2 million for a Small Caliber Trace Charging Facilitization. A flexible, small caliber trace charging and bullet/cartridge assembly production line will be established in Marion, Illinois. This cost effective approach builds upon the existing manufacturing base and infrastructure already in place.
• $800,000 for Aircrew Life Support Equipment RFID Technology, which will improve Air Force supply chain management, saving money and improving efficiency.

Scott AFB employs over 14,000 people and is the largest employer in Illinois south of Springfield. It is estimated that Scott pumps $2.1 billion annually into the regional economy.

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