Chet Edwards For Congress

May 18, 2006
L-3 likely to get $16 million for high-flying border patrol

Waco Tribune Herald
By Mike Copeland | Tribune-Herald business editor

Waco’s L-3 Communications plant likely will get $16 million to refurbish three or four P-3 planes used by the Department of Homeland Security to patrol U.S. borders.

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, pushed to have the money included in the budget for fiscal 2007, which begins Oct. 1. The Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee approved the expenditure this week. The full House has final say, but Edwards expresses confidence the money will be spent.

The $16 million allocation, Edwards said during a media conference Wednesday, “means more secure borders, more jobs for the local community and more work for L-3, which is Waco’s largest corporate employer.”

P-3 planes have been used to provide “high-tech surveillance” in hot spots like Iraq and Afghanistan, Edwards said, adding the same technology can be used to reduce the flow of illegal aliens and illicit drugs entering the country.

Edwards said he supports President Bush’s plan to place about 6,000 National Guard troops along the U.S. border with Mexico to stem the tide of illegal immigration.

But these troops need high-tech support in the form of P-3 planes providing surveillance, he added.

Edwards said the Department of Homeland Security has 16 P-3 planes in its fleet. Without funding to keep the planes in good working order, “we would see a significant degradation of our border security.”

Edwards’ office says the P-3 fleet is aging, with some airframes more than 36 years old. Last year, the P-3 aircraft were used in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

This is the second straight year Edwards has worked to ensure L-3 receives money to maintain the P-3 fleet. The last allocation also was for $16 million.

L-3 spokesman Lance Martin said work on P-3 planes goes on almost constantly at the plant located at Texas State Technical College. The plant had 1,683 people working there Wednesday, including just under 100 contractors.

“The dedication of Rep. Edwards to homeland security is tireless,” said Ed Boyington, site executive for L-3 Communications in Waco. “We are pleased to hear of the additional funding provided in this markup to extend the life of the (P-3 fleet).”