Takes Flight

05 May 2008
Northrop Grumman Contract Centerpiece of Gulf Coast Economic Development Plan
The Pensacola News-Journal is reporting today on the Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor, an ambitious economic development plan for Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle, the centerpiece of which is Northrop Grumman's Air Force contract to build America's next generation of aerial refueling tankers.

The newspaper says the plan isn't yet a reality, but adds that it's not some far-off dream, either.

According to the paper, it is a "bold concept definitely within this region's grasp if business and political leaders in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi work together to persuade Congress" to let the contract stand.

The News-Journal reports that Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine told officials of Escambia and Santa Rosa county that Florida's political leaders need to speak out clearly and unequivocally in support of the contract, which is being challenged by losing bidder Boeing.

The newspaper also reports that Escambia (County) Commission Chairman Mike Whitehead told Nodine that Florida Governor Charlie Crist, mindful of the positive economic impact the aerospace plan would have on Florida's economy, backs Northrop Grumman's contract.

The News-Journal says "the payoff for the region could be enormous."

"First, it would bring in 1,500 very high-paying jobs and a $600 million investment in a gigantic assembly plant at Brookley," the newspaper reports. "Second, it would attract literally hundreds of aerospace businesses and parts suppliers, creating tens of thousands of high-paying jobs across the Gulf Coast region, especially in the Pensacola area."

"And, third, it's a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for this region to become the third world player in aircraft assembly," the paper concludes.

Read the entire News-Journal story

What Others Are Saying:

The Associated Press is reporting that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who previously had questioned Northrop Grumman's tanker win, is now saying she wants to learn more about the contract before rendering a judgment.

Pelosi, in Alabama Friday, made her remarks after Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Democratic Alabama House Speaker Seth Hammett on Thursday urged Pelosi to accept the Air Force decision and not hold hearings on the tanker award," the AP reports.

"Pelosi said she has not made a decision and simply wants to make sure it's the best contract possible for building refueling tankers for the Air Force," the AP reports.

"We have the responsibility to the American people to protect them," Pelosi said, according to the AP.

The Air Force has said that in selecting Northrop Grumman, it honored its obligation to our men and women in uniform – and the American taxpayer – by picking the bid that offers superior value at a lower cost than Boeing's bid.

Read the entire AP story

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