Hinchey Helps Secure $835 Million
For Lockheed Martin's Marine One Helicopter Project

House Gives Final Approval For Funds; Senate Expected To Pass Measure Soon

Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that he's helped secure $835 million for Lockheed Martin-Owego to continue leading the production of a new fleet of Marine One presidential helicopters (the U.S Navy VH-71 program). The House today gave final approval for the funds, which are part of the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations bill. The Senate is expected to give its final approval sometime later this week. Of the $835 million for Lockheed Martin-Owego, $735 million will be used for Increment I of the project and $100 million will be used for Increment II. Originally, Senate leaders left out all money for Increment II, but Hinchey worked aggressively for months to convince the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to include funds for Increment II in the bill. That is how the $100 million for Increment II were included in the bill that passed today.

"The $835 million in new funding that the House approved today for the Marine One helicopter project reaffirms Congress' commitment to Lockheed Martin-Owego's outstanding work as the lead contractor on this very important initiative," said Hinchey, who is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "Lockheed Martin-Owego plays a huge role in the Southern Tier's economy and I am very pleased that this $835 million in new funds will enable the company to continue its work on a new Marine One helicopter fleet. It will be a great source of pride for all of us from the area to soon see the President of the United States aboard a state of the art helicopter that was developed right here in our own backyard."

Hinchey and some of his colleagues in the New York congressional delegation worked very hard several years ago to help Lockheed Martin-Owego win the Marine One contract, which has helped create hundreds of new jobs in the Southern Tier. The current fleet of presidential helicopters has been in service for more than 30 years. There is an urgent need for a more capable helicopter to safely and reliably transport the President both at home and abroad. Notably, several helicopters in the current fleet have broken down on presidential trips, a concern that prompted the beginning of the replacement process in 2002.

The VH-71 program is based upon a two increment procurement approach. Increment I, which is now fully funded with the $735 million Congress is approving for it today, addresses the immediate need of providing enhanced performance and systems over the current fleet. Five Increment I aircraft will be built. The Increment II aircraft, which will begin with the $100 million the House is approving today, provide significant aircraft performance improvements, technology enhancements and increased command and control capability. Twenty-three Increment II aircraft will be built.

Lockheed Martin-Owego's Increment II plan has been endorsed by the Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, White House, and Secret Service.