Andrews Announces Multi-Million Dollar Air Force Contract for Local Small Businesses to Grow Green Energy Jobs

Press Release

Monday, Congressman Andrews announced the beginning of a $49 million construction project that will create 150 jobs and bring a new helicopter hangar to South Jersey's McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Joint Military base. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Andrews spearheaded this boost in federal funds by championing two separate pieces of legislation that were signed into law in December of 2011.

The new structure will consist of two hangars totaling 146,000 square feet, an area of more than three football fields. When complete, the facility will serve as a center for aviation training and will house 18 helicopters for the National Guard's 1st Battalion, 1-150th Aviation Support Unit. The Unit's 200 soldiers specialize in disaster relief and other humanitarian and military support missions both here at home and abroad. Elements of the battalion have served in operations in Panama, Iraq and Kosovo, and most recently, these servicemembers have aided in our state's Hurricane Sandy relief effort.

"Not only will this new facility allow the Army to train more men and women to aid to those hit hard by Sandy here in New Jersey, but the construction of this hangar will provide quality jobs to our region to help lift our local economy," said Congressman Andrews. "I join my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, Congressmen LoBiondo and Runyan, in supporting this win-win for our military and community."

Rep. Rob Andrews remains committed to bringing jobs to South Jersey by supporting job-generating projects like the construction of new helicopter hangars at the Joint Base as an effort to get South Jersey's economy moving again.

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