House approves funds for General Dynamics defense project
Manufacture in Moses Lake a positive for economy
MOSES LAKE — Combat troops might just be getting a little bit of defense, Moses Lake style.
The House of Representatives has approved $2.7 million sought by Congressman Doc Hastings, R-4th District, that will be used by General Dynamics to develop technology for the Air Force to help supply American troops in combat areas.
Funding will be aimed specifically at further developing the Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS). Current high-altitude technology is not accurate enough to ensure that cargo reaches the recipient on the ground. Low-altitude technology is accurate, but in some cases puts aircraft crews in danger. The JPADS is aimed at getting supplies to troops accurately and safely.
Once the project moves to full scale production, the Moses Lake facility will be the integration point for the effort.
"What it means is great new technology, and depending on where this program goes next year and beyond, General Dynamics is positioned to play a major role in the production of JPADS," said Mark Schneider, general manager of General Dynamics Ordinance Tactical Systems in Redman and Moses Lake.
When asked if the number of employees at General Dynamics — presently at 50 — will change because of the project, Schneider said, "It just really depends on where the project goes," and said he is very limited in what he is able to say. "It would speculative to suggest (I) knew where the program was going to head."
"The JPADS is a new tool, if you will, to be able to supply our troops in combat," Hastings said. "If it's manufactured in Moses Lake, depending on how widespread it's used, that would be positive to the economy. The fact that it's manufactured right there, and the fact that we do have troops in combat, is important."
Hastings said he has two motivations in seeking the funding, as General Dynamics is located within his district and one of his priorities is to make sure that the military has the best equipment available.
"I've always been very supportive of the military," he said. "Underlying all this (has been) making sure the military has the best equipment."
The $2.7 million was included in the House approved bill that will fund the Department of Defense next year. The Senate has yet to act on its defense spending bill.
Last week, Hastings toured the General Dynamics site, received an update on the work the company has been doing and visited with some of the workers at the facility. That tour was not open to the public for security reasons.