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Government Contracting 100 Aircraft

by Chris Sorensen |

Under intense pressure from Western Congressmen, The government is contracting for
36 additional SEATS, 26 large helicopters, 45 medium helicopters and two CL 215 air tankers. Eight military C-130 aircraft are available under the MAFFS system. The aircraft will cost 66 million.

BLM Director Kathleen Clarke and Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth said yesterday that they couldn't justify using the old tankers because of safety risks. Officals at NIFC characterized the comments by Bosworth and Clarke as their own personal opinion.

The Alska Fire Service has requested aditional aircraft and additional Smokejumpers to cope with the cancellation of the heavy air tanker contract.