The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced it will make available $9.8 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, aim in a modernization of operations, efficiency improvement and a highly skilled workforce.
Eligible projects under the program include capital and related improvement projects, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration. In addition, training projects that foster employee skills and enhance productivity will also be considered.
“Waterways and small shipyards are a critical component of our economic infrastructure and support thousands of jobs while helping us maintain our competitiveness as a nation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “As trade and exports grow, our shipyards and other waterway systems must be able to keep pace.”
Even though most U.S. shipyards are located in coastal areas, the economic ripple effects of America’s shipyards reach all 50 states. In 2013, U.S. shipbuilders directly employed 110 thousand Americans and produced $37.3 billion in gross domestic product.