Grants Will Help Modernize and Improve Efficiency at U.S. Shipyards  

WASHINGTON–The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced the availability of $4.9 million in Federal funding to support capital improvements and employee training at small U.S. shipyards.  The grants, provided through the Small Shipyard Grant Program, will support efficiency improvements and modernizations that allow U.S. shipyards to compete more effectively in the global marketplace.

“Investments in our shipyards and American workers is critical to ensuring America’s economic growth and global competitiveness,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “These grants support and strengthen both local communities and our national economy.”

Shipyards across the nation continue to create new jobs and strengthen their local economies.  Since 2009, the Obama Administration has provided more than $164 million to help U.S. shipyards and their workers reap the benefits of increased production capabilities delivered by emerging technologies and a highly skilled workforce.

Grants are available to support a variety of projects including capital and related improvements, and equipment upgrades that foster ship construction, repair and reconfiguration in small shipyards across the United States.  The grants can also be used to support maritime training programs that improve technical skills to enhance shipyard worker efficiency and productivity. The Small Shipyard Grants, which are limited to no more than 75 percent of the estimated improvement costs, are available to U.S. shipyards with less than 1200 production employees.

“American shipyards are currently producing some of the most modern and innovative vessels in the world,” said Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen. “They’re also creating quality jobs and supporting economic growth in local communities that complement the immense economic impact of our Nation’s ports and waterways.”

Applications for the grants are due by 5 p.m. EST on February 16, 2016.  MARAD intends to award grants no later than April 18, 2016.  Additional information can be found in the Federal Register at http://1.usa.gov/1mG9jVj, or by contacting David M. Heller, Director, Office of Shipyards and Marine Engineering, Maritime Administration, Room W21-318, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590; David.Heller@dot.gov.