The U.S. Army awarded a military vehicle contract to an Oshkosh, Wis., firm Tuesday, despite Arkansas' $87.1 million bond efforts to bring about 600 jobs to the state.
Oshkosh Corp. was one of three firms — including Lockheed Martin, which would have expanded its operations in Camden — competing for the contract for the joint light tactical vehicle program.
In a statement, the Army said the total contract value is $6.7 billion.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson released a statement shortly after the contract announcement, saying Arkansas "did the right thing" through its bond efforts in the Legislature earlier this year.
"There is no doubt that we were competitive in terms of price, our workforce is second to none, and I remain very grateful for Lockheed Martin's investment and confidence in our Camden facility," he said.
Mike Preston, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said, "While the JLTV will not be manufactured in Arkansas, our participation in this project will ultimately benefit southern Arkansas."
U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton expressed their disappointment in the decision.
"Camden is a first-rate facility and the people who work there are some of the best in the world," Cotton said. "I know they would have put their hearts and souls into the project. It is reassuring to know that JLTV will protect our service members — including the many who call Arkansas home — no matter where it is produced."
Boozman said, "I am optimistic that Lockheed Martin's facility in southern Arkansas will continue to play an important role in support of our nation's defense."
Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.