Daines Applauds Forest Service Renewal of Firefighting Contract with Neptune Aviation

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representative Steve Daines applauded today's announcement that the Forest Service has renewed its contract with Neptune Aviation Services to provide wildland firefighting support to Montana and other western states.

"For twenty years, Neptune Aviation has provided the United States Forest Service with critical firefighting support," Daines stated. "I'm glad the Forest Service has responded positively to my call for renewal of their contract with Neptune, ensuring that Montana is well-equipped to protect our communities and fight wildfires in coming years."

This spring, Daines called on the Forest Service to renew its contract with Neptune following the USFS' announced intentions to not award a Next Generation contract to Neptune.

The contract awarded today allows Neptune to provide two Next Generation airtankers with 3,000 gallon retardant capacity to support nationwide efforts to suppress wildland fires starting in 2014. The contract has a four year base period with five one-year options, for a total potential length of nine years.

Neptune has served as a leader in the large airtanker industry and as a service provider for the Forest Service for twenty years, playing a critical role in the firefighting capabilities of Montana and other western states.

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