Rogers Says Tallapoosa's THY Enterprises Should Receive $2.5 Million

Rogers Says Tallapoosa's THY Enterprises Should Receive $2.5 Million

Helps double funding for Air Force uniforms made locally

A Tallapoosa County company that received $1 million last year to manufacture high-tech uniforms for the Air Force should receive an additional $2.5 million this year, Congressman Mike Rogers said today.

The funding, which appears in a defense appropriations bill passed by the House of Representatives, is dedicated for THY Enterprises in Alex City. Rogers said the line item will allow the Air Force to purchase more of the advanced uniforms from THY, and in the process will help support the local economy.

"I am thrilled this funding will help one of Tallapoosa County's manufacturers meet the growing needs of our nation's military," Rogers said. "Our loved ones serving overseas deserve the finest supplies and equipment available, and I am proud the workers of East Alabama will once again be a part of this important initiative."

Rogers said H.R. 2863, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006, passed the House late last night 398-19. In addition to the $2.5 million for THY Enterprises, Rogers said the bill contains a 3.1% military pay raise, $45 billion in ‘bridge' funding for military operations, and a 9% increase in funding for veterans' healthcare.

"This is a critically important piece of legislation for our Armed Forces," Rogers said. "I am pleased to have secured funding for this local initiative and thank Senators Shelby and Sessions in advance for their assistance."

Rogers added the bill still must be approved by the full Senate, as well as a House-Senate conference, and then signed into law by the president. "We still have a few steps to go, but this is definitely good news," he added.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/al03_rogers/thyent05.html