Defense bill benefits military, Maine

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121213/GJOPINION_0102/121219697/-1/FOSOPINION

The Defense Authorization Act also includes funding for many other defense-related projects that will benefit Maine, our economy, and our national security. The bill authorizes $412 million for depot maintenance at National Guard repair sites, including the Maine Military Authority in Limestone; $6.9 billion for procurement of 29 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft — components for the F-35 are built at Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick and at General Dynamics’ facility at Saco Defense; and $606 million in funding for research and development for the CH-53K marine helicopter. Hunting Dearborn in Fryeburg manufactures the rotor shaft for this helicopter. In addition to funding for procurement of the Common Remotely Operated Weapons System, or CROWS, portions of which are building in Biddeford, South Paris and Arundel, the bill also authorizes $232 million for research and development of aerospace propulsion systems. The University of Maine conducts research on new propulsion and power technologies. 

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