Department of Transportation Announces Availability of Funding for Small Shipyards
Monday, April 16, 2018
News Release #: 02-18
Date: Apr 16, 2018
Department of Transportation Announces Availability of Funding for Small Shipyards
Grants Will Help Improve Efficiency and Economic Impact of U.S. Shipyards
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced the availability of $19.6 million in federal funding to support capital improvements and employee training at small U.S. shipyards. The grants are provided through the Small Shipyard Grant Program, and help eligible shipyards modernize operations, increase efficiency and reap the benefits of increased productivity.
“Our country’s infrastructure relies on the success of our shipyards, ports, and waterways; this grant program helps provide workers with the training they need to succeed in the 21st Century economy,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
American shipyards continue to create new jobs and strengthen the economy. In 2013, U.S. shipbuilders directly employed 110,000 Americans and produced $37.3 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Available to U.S. shipyards with less than 1,200 production employees, the grants support a variety of projects; including capital and related improvements, as well as equipment upgrades that foster ship construction, repair and reconfiguration. The grants can also be used to cultivate maritime training programs intended to enhance employee skills and productivity.
“These grants will help small shipyards continue to build top-of-the-line vessels in addition to creating jobs and supporting economic growth in their local communities,” said Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby.
The Small Shipyard Grant Program provides key materials and training to our communities, further highlighting the Administration’s efforts to invest in projects that will lead to long-term improvements, opportunities, and productivity.
Applications for the grants are due by 5 p.m. EST on May 22, 2018. MARAD intends to award grants no later than July 23, 2018. Additional information can be found here or by contacting David M. Heller, Director, Office of Shipyards and Marine Engineering, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590; David.Heller@dot.gov.