Long Beach Seeks to Help With C-17 Costs as Lobbying Intensifies

C-17 Globemaster III(click to view full) The FY 2006 House defense budget bill included $3.5 billion for C-17 Globemaster III strategic transports, but DID has also covered reports that the Pentagon will recommend that the aircraft cease production in 2008 at 180 planes, despite heavy demands on the aircraft that are shortening the service life of the existing fleet. The Washington Post’s December 28, 2005 article, “Campaigning for the C-17,” describes the efforts underway in Long Beach, CA (near Los Angeles) to reduce Boeing’s costs and hopefully encourage further orders. Headed for the door?(click to view full) Efforts and assistance span a variety of industry suppliers and players. Southern California Edison has said Boeing may be eligible for a 5-year, 15% discount on its energy bill, and discussions re: reducing the company’s water bill and airport fees are also underway with appropriate providers. Tax breaks and extension of the existing enterprise zone designation are under consideration. The city is even considering assuming responsibility for Boeing’s internal fire department. In total, 19 cost-saving proposals are currently being considered. The best line in the article undoubtedly belongs to Brookings Institute Senior Fellow Michael E. O’Hanlon: “You usually only see these types of […]