Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released a statement following BETA Technologies announcement that they will partner with Clinton County on a $41 million expansion to enhance BETA’s manufacturing and production facility in Plattsburgh for their cutting-edge aircraft as well as establish a permanent flight test and aircraft delivery center where aircrafts will perform final tests, be painted, and delivered to customers.
“As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have strongly advocated for investments into BETA Technologies through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process. This investment will strengthen the North Country’s reputation as a critical defense industrial manufacturing region,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “The exceptional talent of NY-21’s workforce has drawn the attention of innovative companies such as BETA Technologies which is working with the Department of Defense to develop incredible aviation capabilities today to take on tomorrow’s challenges. I am proud to support BETA as they continue to grow and expand in Upstate New York and the North Country.”
In 2022, Congresswoman Stefanik successfully advocated for the inclusion of a report that required the U.S. Army to establish a strategy to incorporate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into their fleet. In this year’s national defense bill, Congresswoman Stefanik secured critical funding for eVTOL aircraft to continue to be developed by the U.S. Air Force, including for BETA’s eVTOL capabilities that are manufactured in Plattsburgh.
The U.S. Air Force has partnered with BETA to design, develop, and test BETA’s manned eVTOL aircraft concept for military operations through the Agility Prime program, which was launched in 2020.