“With Rey’s help, we’re trying to extract a little common sense from the bureaucratic process, and hopefully do everything we can to get these planes back in the air to battle wildfires,” Rehberg said. “The Bush Administration deserves accolades on this. Rey assured me his agency will pay the cost to try and do this quickly.”

       Rey told Rehberg the data is needed to complete the air worthiness process for Neptune’s Lockheed P2V aircraft “as a way of eliminating speculation.”  Rey also told Rehberg he said spoke with a company official today who pledged to provide the Forest Service with the needed documentation. Rey assured Rehberg he will pursue the matter with Lockheed as quickly as possible, “contract with them if necessary,” and pay the expenses.

       “This is good news for all involved. It’s been a long road, but I think we’re finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.  We have wildfires. We have planes on the ground and Neptune employees sidelined. We’re all anxious to get those employees and those planes back into the fight. Montana can’t afford to wait.