WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved $4.5 million to continue retrofitting U.S. Army helicopters with leak proof transmission fluid drip pans that are produced by workers at Phoenix Products in McKee. The Senate is expected to vote on this final 2010 defense spending legislation soon.

“I applaud Members of Congress for approving this vital funding to keep our Blackhawk helicopters at their peak performance,” said Rogers. “The hardworking men and women at the McKee plant produce a quality product that helps to keep our military safe and saves time and money. These specialty drip pans reduce repair time and put our Blackhawks in the air performing critical missions instead of on the shop floor waiting for spare parts and maintenance overhauls.”

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. The UH-60 leak proof transmission drip pan 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.