Dear John

For this newsletter, I’d like to highlight something I discussed at one of my recent town halls – the new Piasecki Aircraft Corporation Heliplex in Coatesville! Some members of our community might not know the details of how this important economic development (and hundreds of jobs with it) came to be in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District. So, I’ll share a brief timeline with you. 

This story is a great example of how collaboration between the federal government and local leaders can improve our lives and livelihoods right here in Chester and Berks Counties. 

How it started...

Back in January 2019, I was sworn into Congress during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Prior to serving as our representative down in Washington, I served in the military, scaled businesses, led a non-profit and more, but I never worked in politics. So, truthfully, my new role was an adjustment! I firmly believed, that I could use my diverse background to bring fresh ideas to Congress and by doing so, be helpful to our community and country. Soon, that belief would be put to the test. 

That spring, our community heard devastating news: the Sikorsky helicopter plant in Coatesville would shutter its doors. The reaction in the community was swift. As a federal representative, I cannot compel private industries to change their business decisions. I can, however, explore ways the federal government might be able to provide additional resources and support. And I did. 

Using my background in business and in the military and understanding the implications of closing a manufacturing facility that has been a fixture of our community for years, I drafted language in the annual defense bill to further examine the national security implications of this decision. 

I worked with former President Donald Trump to see if there was a path forward with Sikorsky. Our direct efforts kept the plant open for an additional year, all while exploring other options for a new business to acquire the valuable space and assist our community’s talented workforce. Knowing that one day soon a new chapter could begin in their facility, Sikorsky and their leadership at Lockheed Martin ensured the space was fit for other aviation enterprises. 

How it's going...

Our community members are incredibly resilient – they never lost faith. I worked hand in hand with local officials who were committed to finding a durable solution, especially our Chester County Commissioners, the Governor’s Action Team, and the Chester County Economic Development Council. 

When news of a possible acquisition by Piasecki Aircraft Corporation came across my desk, I knew the details of the Heliplex purchase would take months and we had more work to do to ensure a successful outcome. Those months were bittersweet as we wanted to share the exciting developments but also respect the privacy of the business conversations making this economic resurgence possible. 

Fast forward to last spring, and the news of the Piasecki Aircraft Corporation’s expansion was finally official! We were ecstatic, and I heard from so many of you who were thrilled, too. 

On May 31 of this year, hundreds of us gathered in Coatesville for the official grand opening of the facility. I highly encourage you to watch the video below highlighting that tremendous occasion. 

So, where do we stand now? The Piasecki Aircraft Corporation Heliplex will bring over 400 good-paying, technical jobs to the Coatesville area over the next several years. This will continue to boost our local economy and help our PA-06 community continue its innovative, positive trajectory. 

I share this timeline with all of you to say that progress doesn’t always happen overnight. That can understandably be frustrating when people’s lives and livelihoods are at stake. Just know that your federal, state, and local leaders are working every day to move our community forward. To anyone reading this who played a part in bringing Piasecki to Coatesville (as there are too many to name), thank you. To the Piasecki Aircraft Corporation family and team, welcome to our community of Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District! Thank you to everyone working towards the betterment of our community, Commonwealth, and country! 

Serving as our community's representative is the honor of my lifetime, and I hope to hear from you soon about any issue that concerns you.  

As always, please contact my office if you need assistance. 

Be well and see you soon! 

Chrissy Houlahan

U.S. Member of Congress