August 10, 2011

Manchin Highlights Business Expansion at Aurora Flight Sciences

Delivers remarks at ribbon cutting for new hangar and manufacturing facility

Manchin also hosts ‘Coffee and Common Sense’ event at Say-Boy Steakhouse in Fairmont

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) applauded the success of Aurora Flight Sciences at a ribbon cutting today for their new hangar and manufacturing facility in Bridgeport, on the third day of a 20-county swing through West Virginia for “Rebuilding America” Week. 

“The technology you create and build here is so critical for our national security, especially as we need to draw down our troops in Afghanistan and focus on rebuilding America,” Senator Manchin said. “We have big problems we have to fix, but everyone in Washington is thinking first of their parties, of red and blue. And what I want to know is: who's thinking of red, white and blue? I can tell you my values and priorities: our seniors, who built this country and gave us the lives we have; our children, who will build our future, and our veterans, who protect our way of life. And even though Washington is broken, it won't break me, and you shouldn't let it break you.”

The new hangar facility will allow Aurora Flight Sciences in Bridgeport, which currently employs 160 West Virginians and contributes $50 million in direct and indirect activity to the state, to expand and hire more employees. It will increase the amount of useable manufacturing space Aurora has available. 

“Now more than ever, we need successful companies like Aurora to make the investments that will create jobs in West Virginia and boost confidence in our economy,” Senator Manchin continued. “Aurora’s success demonstrates how true partnerships in at the federal, state, and local levels can produce results that benefit our great state and the economy, generally. I am going to do what I can to get Washington to focus on rebuilding America. It’s time for this nation’s leaders to focus on job creation, cutting regulations, getting our debts under control, working toward energy independence, and investing in our nation, not others.”

Senator Manchin began the day with a “Coffee and Common Sense” event in Fairmont. He will also visit the Doddridge and Ritchie County Courthouses today, and will deliver the keynote address at the Marion County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner this evening. 

Throughout “Rebuilding America” Week, Senator Manchin will meet with business and labor leaders, students, manufacturers and residents to highlight a multi-pronged, commonsense legislative strategy for job creation and economic growth.

###