WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced the availability of $20 million in Fiscal Year 2019 federal funding to support small U.S. shipyards.  The Small Shipyard Grant Program helps modernize eligible shipyard operations while assisting in efficiency improvements.

“This investment will support our shipyards and their workers, which will help strengthen the economies of communities across America,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

U.S. shipyards have a nationwide economic impact.  Employing more than 100,000 Americans, shipbuilders have contributed tens of billions in gross domestic product.

Projects that are deemed eligible for the Small Shipyard Grant Program include capital and related improvement projects, as well as employee training.  These projects lead to competitive operations, quality ship construction, improved employee skill and enhanced productivity.  Small Shipyard Grants are limited to no more than 75 percent of the estimated improvement costs and are available to U.S. shipyards with fewer than 1,200 production employees.

“Our shipyards provide quality jobs and economic growth to local communities along and near our nation’s ports and waterways,” said Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby.  “In addition to being economic mainstays, U.S. shipyards are producing some of the most innovative vessels in the world, and the Small Shipyard Grant Program encourages that innovation.”

Applications for the grants are due by 5:00 pm EST on April 16, 2019.  Additional information can be found in the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/04/16/2018-07846/small-shipyard-grant-program-application-deadlines, or by contacting David M. Heller, Director, Office of Shipyards and Marine Engineering, Maritime Administration, Room W21-318, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590; David.Heller@dot.gov.