The U.S. Air Force awarded a $3.8 billion contract for KC-10 Contractor Logistics Service to Northrop Grumman, an award that could create hundreds of new jobs at Chennault International Airport.
Gov. Bobby Jindal issued the following statement on the U.S. Air Force's selection of Northrop Grumman:
"We're thrilled that Northrop Grumman has been selected to provide contractor logistics support for the Air Force's KC-10 tanker aircraft. Since last year, we have been working with Northrop Grumman to emphasize Louisiana's strong support for Northrop Grumman's potential role in this project.
"We committed significant incentives for training, facilities and infrastructure specific to this project that now are likely to result in the creation of 150 to 300 new jobs at Chennault International Airport. This should be a great win for Louisiana."
The state of Louisiana plans to commit up to $10 million to support this project, which includes workforce training assistance, lease offsets and important infrastructure upgrades. In addition to the state's support, Chennault International Airport Authority will provide construction, installation and equipment required for Northrop Grumman to commence work on the KC-10 tanker. Sowela Technical Community College will also support the training needs of Northrop Grumman.
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret issued the following statement on working with the local leadership to help secure this project for Lake Charles: "This is a terrific win for Northrop Grumman and Lake Charles, and it will build upon the existing aviation industry strengths of the area. We're looking forward to finalizing our agreements with Northrop Grumman to maximize the number of full-time jobs to be created at Chennault."