LYNN ? The General Electric Co. aviation plant in Lynn will receive $96 million from the U.S. Department of Defense to build more engines for the Army’s Black Hawk helicopters through 2014.The River Works factory produces the T700 series engine, considered by international military experts the world’s strongest and most reliable helicopter engine. The T700 powers the Black Hawk, the AH-64 Apache, Seahawk, and Pavehawk H-60 helicopters.The government funds totaled $96,193,715. U.S. Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, along with U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney, jointly announced release of the funds.”This funding will help us keep faith with our brave men and women overseas. The powerful T700 series engines are on the cutting edge of military performance and will help keep our troops and our homeland safe,” said Kerry.Kennedy spokeswoman Melissa Wagoner said the senator “is delighted the Army recognizes GE Lynn as a world leader in engine production. These helicopter engines are essential for our soldiers’ missions anywhere in the world. Massachusetts is proud to see GE Lynn leading the way.”Tierney, whose Congressional committee chairmanships include education and the workforce, added, “The employees at GE in Lynn are an exceptionally skilled and well-trained workforce, and this award evidences the confidence the Pentagon has in them.”Work related to the helicopter engine contract was expected to last into 2014. The funding was part of a reauthorization of government contracts.