Quote of the Day
"The U.S. economy expanded at a faster clip than initially forecast in the third quarter, helped by more robust consumer spending and by stronger exports. The economy grew at a 2.5% annualized pace in the quarter, revised up from the initial estimate of 2.0%, the government said in its second estimate of quarterly gross domestic product. GDP growth was 1.7% during the second quarter.”
- Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch, 11/23/2010
For Release: Monday, June 20, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: (202) 225-5661; Steve Tomaszewski: (618) 344-3065
COSTELLO AND SHIMKUS ANNOUNCE DEFENSE BILL CONTAINS $27.8 MILLION TO MAINTAIN C-9S, BEGIN C-40 TRAINING AT SCOTT AFB
Washington - Congressmen Jerry Costello (D-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL) announced today that they have secured $27.8 million to maintain the C-9 airplanes and begin training for the new C-40 mission of the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base (AFB). The funds are part of the Defense Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2006.
"The Secretary of Defense's Base Realignment and Closure recommendations highlighted the important role that Scott Air Force Base plays in our national defense and the fact that Scott is ready to take on new missions, and Congress agrees," said Costello. "The hard work of the men and women at Scott help keep our nation safe and are critical to our local economy. These are important resources for the 932nd Airlift Wing to ensure a smooth transition from the C-9s to the C-40s."
"The past success we have had in keeping the C-9s at Scott laid the foundation for the BRAC decision and for this funding. The C-40s will be a great asset to the military mission at Scott, and our entire region continues to benefit from the residual effects of Scott," stated Shimkus.
Personnel costs will account for $4.7 million of the total, with the rest being used for a variety of functions related to maintaining the C-9s and preparing for the arrival of the C-40s. The C-40 is the military version of the 737 and has numerous airlift capabilities.
Scott AFB is the largest employer south of Springfield and is the fourth largest employer in the St. Louis region. The 932nd Airlift Wing employs 1,000 Reservists and civilians. It is estimated that Scott has an economic impact of over $2 billion on the local and regional economy every year.
###
