U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved $5 million to continue retrofitting U.S. Army helicopters with leak proof transmission fluid drip pans for the HH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter that are produced by workers at Phoenix Products in McKee. Rogers secured this funding in H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, which passed the House of Representatives on July 30, 2009 and is awaiting further action by the Senate.

“The hard work from the employees of Phoenix Products is evident in the outstanding products they continue to make and machine for our warfighters and National Guardsmen aboard Blackhawk helicopters,” said Rogers. “The drip pans produced right here in Jackson County have a strong reputation for quality and durability which is essential to keeping this Army air workhorse maintenance free and ensuring these aircraft are safe in the skies over Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, and the Daniel Boone National Forest.”

Phoenix Products was incorporated in 1973 and specializes in composite solutions and custom interiors for military aircraft, especially the Blackhawk helicopter. With an experienced engineering and production staff, Phoenix Products prides themselves on quality and design. Employing individuals from Jackson County, Phoenix Products is vital to the local community.

Over the past six years, Rogers has secured over $17 million for transmission drip pan assembly in Jackson County. This legislation secures $2.5 million to retrofit U.S. Army transmission drip pans and $2.5 million for U.S. Army National Guard Drip Pans. The UH-60 leak proof transmission drip pan, produced by Phoenix Products, has been operating for over ten years and fits on all variants of the Blackhawk helicopter.

Through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Rogers supports important initiatives for the Fifth Congressional District.