Bill would open bidding to Goodyear to build military tires

DANVILLE - A defense bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday would open up bidding to Goodyear for contracts to build tires for the military.

Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th, supported the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill, which includes funding for military equipment and for troops and military families - and provides language for the U.S. Department of Defense to consider open-bid contracts. The department currently allows only one manufacturer - Michelin, which makes its tires in Canada - to produce the tires.

“The language in this bill is important to Goodyear and specifically Danville’s military tire business,“ said Goodyear Plant Manger Andrew Harper in a statement.

Perriello Spokeswoman Jessica Barba said the bill would help save the government money by allowing open bidding and would enable Goodyear to compete in the bidding process.

Perriello made requests for funding of job-creating projects in the 5th District, including those in Martinsville and Arvonia.

“These projects could bring much-needed jobs to our region while fulfilling our nation’s security priorities,“ Perriello said.

The bill will go to the Senate next and if there are differences between the House and Senate bills, the two groups will iron out the differences and the bill would go to the president for signature, Barba said.

John Crane is a staff writer for the Danville Register & Bee in Danville, Va.