Maritime Administration awards new grants to Rhode Island Shipyard

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Marine Administration announced on Friday that Blount Boats, Inc., of Warren, RI, will receive $937,933 to purchase a telehandler, two 3-ton overhead cranes, a single forklift and four scissor lifts. to significantly improve their handling. Efficiency.

This follows MARAD’s announcement of $19.6 million in grants to 24 small shipyards in 19 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funds will help the winners to modernize, increase their productivity and expand local employment opportunities while being competitive in the global market.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and small shipyards play a vital role in America’s maritime industry, helping us get the goods we depend on every day,” said the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg. “These grants will help modernize small shipyards in communities across the country, create and protect local jobs, strengthen America’s marine industry, and secure our economic future.”

Since 2008, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded $282.2 million to nearly 300 shipyards in 32 states and territories across the United States. They strengthen communities along and near our country’s ports and waterways. Many small shipyards are family businesses, and these are all businesses where small investments can make a big difference.

“These grants will allow small businesses to do what they do best—build critical infrastructure while creating long-term, well-paying jobs for Americans,” the Maritime Administrator said. Ann Phillips. “Better equipment means increased productivity and more ships and craft circulating in our small shipyards. The growth of this industry further supports and strengthens our national marine industry.

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