WDAM-TV Hattiesburg
Contract awarded for border protection helicopters to be built in MS
By WDAM Staff
WASHINGTON, DC - On Wednesday, U.S Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith applauded the award of a $45.9 million U.S. Department of Homeland Security procurement contract for custom and border protection helicopters that will be built in Mississippi.
The seven Light Enforcement Helicopters will be produced at the Airbus plant in Columbus, according to a news release from Hyde-Smith.
“Customs and Border Protection will use these helicopters for law enforcement missions to secure our borders,” Hyde-Smith said in a statement. “I’m pleased Mississippi’s capable workforce will be providing the Department of Homeland Security with the tools they need to protect the American people.”
The helicopters will be funded through the fiscal year 2017 and fiscal year 2018 appropriations and will replace aircraft that have been removed from service. Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The contract includes designing, building, installing, testing and certifying the aircraft for CBP use.
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