Small shipyard grants totaling $19.6 million awarded

   The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced Monday $19.6 million in grants to support capital improvements of 28 small shipyards in 20 states as part of the Small Shipyard Grant program.
   The funding supports employee training and related improvements. The program has awarded more than $226 million to 216 grants since 2008 to “help fund upgrades and expansions that often lead to more competitive operations, quality ship construction and improved employee skill,” MARAD said in the announcement.
   “Small shipyards are an irreplaceable aspect of America’s shipbuilding industry,” said Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby. “They are a key component to national security and our economic viability as a whole, providing good jobs for hardworking Americans.”
   MBLH Marine LLC doing business as Vessel Repair (pictured above), located in Port Arthur, Texas, received the most funding at $1.36 million. The funds will go toward the acquisition and construction of a new dry dock, which will allow the facility to promote for efficient and competitive shipyard services, MARAD said.
   Texas was one of seven states with multiple grant recipients. Florida had three recipients with a total of $1.7 million. Pennsylvania shipyards were awarded the most money at a combined $2.01 million — Heartland Fabrication in Brownsville ($1.01 million) and Rhoads Industries Inc. ($999,250).
   Alaska, Louisiana and Illinois also had two shipyards each receive funding.
   Click here for a full list of recipients.