Kerry, Kennedy, Delahunt announce 3 MA Cos to receive $46.5 milllion for defense projects
Statewide, Massachusetts projects set to receive $126.7 million
BOSTON - Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, and Congressman William Delahunt announced that the Defense Appropriations Bill was approved by Congress earlier today.
The Defense Appropriations Bill contains $46.5 million in federal assistance for three companies in Massachusetts' 10th Congressional District. Statewide, defense companies in Massachusetts received a total of $126,700,000.
"This is a victory for crucial defense projects in our state. From funding for the TS Enterprise at the Mass Maritime Academy to funding for development of better medical care for our soldiers in the field, this bill will help make a difference in the security of our nation and the lives of our military men and women," said Senator Kerry. "By making these investments in our communities, we are investing in our state's economic future, and that is why Senator Kennedy and Congressman Delahunt and I fight each year to secure federal funding for these initiatives that keep our country secure and our troops protected."
Melissa Wagoner, a spokeswoman for Senator Kennedy, said, "These important projects will enhance Massachusetts' role as a leader in the defense industry. I'm proud to see so many Massachusetts companies at the cutting edge of defense technology. Our courageous men and women serving overseas deserve the very best protection our nation can provide."
"This funding is critical to Otis and the Maritime Academy. These funds will go a long way - at a very critical time -- toward helping Otis make the transition to new intelligence missions, and to complete the work on the Maritime Academy's training ship. I very much appreciate the strong support from Senators Kennedy and Kerry and the entire Massachusetts delegation. It was an outstanding team effort," said Congressman Delahunt.
Massachusetts' Tenth Congressional District projects in the Defense Appropriations Bill
Bourne - $10 million for the Training Ship Enterprise to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA)
The TS Enterprise forms part of the U.S. Maritime Administration's national emergency response plan and has been used to berth first responders and other key personnel after a terrorist attack or natural disaster, including Hurricane Katrina.
Bourne - $20.5 million for Massachusetts National Cemetery
This funding will be utilized to develop an additional 25 acres, replenish currently depleted infrastructure and establish a gravesite locator. The Massachusetts National Cemetery currently serves over 400,000 veterans in the southeastern Massachusetts area, and was projected to be depleted of gravesites in 2012 if additional land was not acquired.
Cape Cod - $16 million for Digital Ground Station at Otis ANGB
This funding will support the unit's conversion from an F-15 flying mission to an intelligence analysis and exploitation mission located at Otis Air National Guard Base.
###
