OWEGO, N.Y. -- Looking at naval helicopters, Senator Charles Schumer sees their importance to the country's security.
"Our armed forces have, through their history, have this great tradition that they will risk other lives to make sure lives can be saved, and our rescue helicopter is essential for that mission," said Schumer.
He also sees their impact on the Southern Tier. The Owego facility employs 2,600 people.
"Lockheed is the biggest employer, and without that, we would have a greater difficulty with the standard of living in Tioga County," said Gwen Kania, the president and CEO of the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, Schumer reaffirmed his commitment to the Owego location. He sent a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis, urging him to continue to support the helicopter programs.
"There's no more important job magnet than this plant right here," said Schumer. "So the fact that the defense budget is going up makes us more secure, but it also means more jobs here in the Southern Tier and throughout New York state."
An investment in the facility and added jobs would be a stark departure from the past few years. Officials say the factory has lost 1,400 positions.
"More money invested would always trickle down into the small businesses, so that's what the chamber always looks forward to with all the businesses in the county," said Kania.
Schumer and Lockheed Martin officials discussed potential new projects. He says they will help the local economy and enhance the preparedness of our military.