U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved $9 million to continue production of specialized military tents manufactured by employees of Outdoor Venture Corporation (OVC) in McCreary County. 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.

“I am happy to announce that OVC has received additional funding to keep up their important work of developing world-class shelters for our brave men and women in uniform,” said Rogers. “OVC not only provides exceptional products for our military, they are leaders in the community and participate in community development and job training for the people of Stearns. It is refreshing to see a thriving company working so hard to keep people employed and provide new opportunities for McCreary County.”

Founded in 1972, OVC has been manufacturing military tents since 1984. To date, OVC has delivered more than $260 million of their products to their government contractors. OVC is essential to McCreary County as it employs hundreds of individuals from the community and has built a reputation for exceptional value and quality products.

Rogers secured $6 million to fund the procurement of U.S. Army modular command post tents. This tent is specially designed to be packed and relocated quickly which is essential for today’s military operations and can easily be used as a command post, tactical operations center, and for a variety of other purposes such as administration, supply, medical and maintenance facility. In addition to this funding, Rogers secured $3 million for U.S. Army air-supported temper tents which are essential in rapid deployment scenarios. These air beam tents meet the military’s need for a tent that provides a multipurpose shelter for billeting, field feeding, administrative, kitchen, shower, and medical uses, and is designed to function in all weather conditions. In the past six years, Rogers has been successful in securing over $38 million for tent assembly right in the heart of McCreary County.

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