It's $6.5 million worth of life-saving machinery and now it's based in Batavia.
Mercy Flight #5 was officially dedicated at the Genesee County Airport on Tuesday morning.
The Bell 429 helicopter equipped with state-of-the-art technology was paid for with a $3 million loan from the USDA and a USDA-guaranteed loan from M&T Bank.
Without the 20-year loan, instead of a traditional five- or six-year loan, said Margaret Ferrentino, CFO of Mercy Flight, there's no way the air and ground ambulance service could have afforded the new helicopter.
The dedication was attended by Mercy Flight and Mercy EMS staff, local elected officials and a variety of local emergency and law enforcement representatives.
Mercy Flight #5 will serve Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
The new helicopter was blessed by Rev. John Gaglione, left, pictured with Mercy Flight CEO Doug Baker and Sister Sheila Marie Walsh.
Having Mercy Flight be based
Having Mercy Flight be based here in Batavia is a WONDERFUL THING.