$72 million contract will help replace aging fleet
BRIAN WITTE
Associated Press Thu Oct 21, 2010, 07:49 AM EDT
— ANNAPOLIS — Maryland officials approved a $72 million contract Wednesday to buy six medevac helicopters to replace an aging fleet for the state’s renowned emergency response program, a need highlighted by a helicopter crash two years ago that killed four people.
The Maryland Board of Public Works — which includes Gov. Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot — voted 3-0 to approve the contract with Agusta Aerospace Corp. The contract includes an option to buy up to six additional helicopters between July 2011 and July 2013.
Despite the expense during tough economic times, O’Malley said the investment was crucial to preserve an important public safety initiative, which was established in 1970 as the first civilian agency to transport critically injured trauma patients.
