The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft passed its final test in Washington D.C. yesterday, as Congress approved the 2010 Defense Appropriations Act that included $2.5 billion to purchase ten new planes.

The move will keep Boeing production of the aircraft going for a few more years. Locally, it means saving about 5,000 blue-collar jobs.

Congresswoman Laura Richardson released a victorious statement on Wednesday.

“As one of the most important components of the Defense Appropriations Act, the $2.5 billion being provided to build and maintain 10 C-17 Air Force cargo aircraft will help our district, where they are assembled, as well as serve the nation and help protect the peace the world over,” Richardson said in the press release.

“This funding will keep people working so they can keep the lights on and afford braces for their children and it will keep local businesses open. This one item alone will account for about 14,000 jobs in our area and is expected to generate $2 billion in revenue for the area and the state.”

The C-17 program had been an issue of contention as the defense bill was being formed. Many argued that in tight economic circumstances, the aircraft was no longer needed and should be cut from funding. Others argued that too many jobs (locally and nationwide) were dependent on the C-17, and Boeing argued that continued production was vital to development of a replacement model in coming years.

Whatever the case, Congress overwhelmingly approved the bill yesterday that included enough money for ten C-17s.