Mobile leaders confident on tanker win

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - The day before the tanker announcement, Mobile officials were confident their name would be called. the contract would mean big things for the city, and also the region.

On Wednesday, local officials said they are confident EADS will land the tanker contract and bring big things to Mobile.

Local and state officials have been working to get the Air Force tanker contract for eight-years. They won the contract in 2008, but the competitor, Boeing, appealed the decision. Now, in 2011 the city is hoping for a final call.

A day before Thursday's big announcement, Mayor Sam Jones and County Commissioner Mike Dean said they won before and will do it again.

"What we've earned is what we want to be delivered here. That's all we ask for," said Mayor Jones.

Commissioner Dean said the victory will be even sweeter in 2011.

"We were very excited when EADS chose us. We were very excited when the Air Force chose us in 2008 and we're going to be even more excited when they choose us tomorrow," said Dean.

The contract would bring around 50,000 jobs to the region. Mayor Jones said this is something the Gulf Coast needs.

"We've gone through Katrina, we've gone through the oil spill. Now to have this type of economic boost, I think it's warranted in this particular area," said Mayor Jones.

Jones said the win would transform the city. He said we can picture a similar situation of what a tanker contract did for Seattle to happen here in Mobile.

"I am real proud of what they do out there and hopefully they will be proud of what we do here in Mobile, Alabama," said Mayor Jones.

Mobile would be one of three cities building the aircraft. Commissioner Dean said it will put us on the map nationally.

"Its going to put us in the world market and well be recognized throughout the entire country tomorrow and I think Mobile will be the target where you can say 'well there's something going on big in Mobile Alabama,'" said Dean.

Dean said if Mobile gets the contract, they will make sure it doesn't slip away.

"If they announce Mobile, Alabama tomorrow you'll see us trying to ground break Monday. Were not going to do what we did last time. I think there are things in place and were going to start building planes for the Air Force," said Dean.

Mayor Jones said they have the best product and city for the deal and are ready to show the country what Mobile has to offer.

The announcement will be made from the Mobile Convention Center around 4 p.m. Thursday.