MILLVILLE — Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced yesterday that the U.S. Army has chosen the Millville Airport as the location for modifications for CH-47F Chinook helicopters.

The announcement also included the likelihood of bringing 100 new jobs to the area.

Boeing Global Services and Support expects to have the new modification center operational within weeks.

“[The] announcement is outstanding news for Millville and Cumberland County, which have been deeply hit by the economic downturn,” says Rep. Frank LoBiondo, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.

“The possibility of 100 new jobs in a region long suffering from the decline of our manufacturing base is definitely a welcome announcement.”

Boeing Global Services and Support will perform the work and plans to lease two aviation hangars at the airport to perform the necessary modifications. The initial term is for four years with two additional option periods of two years each.

The state-of-the-art hangar facilities, commonly referred to as the “Air Castle Hangar” and the “Multi-Use Hangar,” have approximately 80,000 square feet of useable space, including office, storage, shop, and interior aircraft parking. When fully operational, the modification center is expected to create approximately 100 jobs, including positions that require an A&P license. The A&P, also known as the Airframe & Powerplant license, is an FAA license that permits individuals to legally perform mechanical maintenance to an aircraft.

In addition, Boeing Global Services and Support will explore the possibility of purchasing materials and supplies locally that are necessary to complete the modification work at the Airport, which would result in ancillary benefits for regional businesses.

“Opening the Chinook modification facility at Millville Airport is an exciting opportunity for Boeing Global Services and Support at such an historic location,” said Raymond Haddad, Boeing’s director of Chinook World Wide Support. “The technology improvements to these Chinooks give more capability to warfighters in harm’s way and will undoubtedly save lives.”

According to James N. Hogan, Chairman of the DRBA, Boeing could be a magnet to attract additional business interest to the Millville Airport complex.

“With them as an anchor tenant, other companies and businesses may see the same potential for growth and opportunity at the Millville complex that we have known for years,” Hogan said. “One of Boeing’s major customers is the United States Army. What better place to modify Chinook helicopters for the Army than America’s First Defense Airport.”

Millville Mayor Tim Shannon shared his praise to the entities involved.

“I’d like to praise and credit the efforts of DRBA Deputy Executive Director Frank Minor and his staff for securing Boeing Global Services and Support and the U.S. Army as new tenants at Millville Airport,” Shannon said. “This project strengthens our on-going partnership with the DRBA and we’re excited about the potential for a strong, longterm relationship with Boeing and the U.S. Army. What a great day for the city, our residents and the business community.”

This announcement came at the DRBA Commission monthly Board meeting.