750k Grant for Newport Shipyard will Buy New Boat Lift

NEWPORT, RI—Newport Shipyard is getting a $744,000 federal grant to buy a 200-ton Marine Travelift to enhance capacity and enable workers to make repairs indoors instead of outdoors, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced on Monday.

The grant, through the Maritime Administration (MARAD), will "help create jobs, increase economic activity, and improve their building, service, and maintenance capabilities," Reed said in a news release.

The Small Shipyard Grant Program is in the fiscal 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Law thanks in part to Reed's efforts.

“Small shipyards make big contributions to Rhode Island’s economy. I worked to secure federal funds for the Small Shipyard Grant Program because it helps these businesses compete to build and service ships and boats here in Rhode Island, bringing more jobs and opportunities to the Ocean State," Reed said. "This was a highly competitive grant process with nearly 200 shipyards requesting federal funds. I am pleased that Newport Shipyard has risen to the top to earn this grant, and I’m hoping we can help win some more grants for our other yards in the future,” said Reed, the Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee."

Eli Dana, Newport Shipyard's general manager, said that the new lift will let them move bigger boats inside the building.

That "will keep our team busier year-round and allow us to employ more people," Dana said.

The shipyard is expected to hire 10 to 15 new people within the marine repair business.

Other small Rhode Island shipbuilding companies that have received federal funds in the past for infrastructure enhancements include Blount Boats Inc., in Warren and Senesco Marine, in North Kingstown.

Over the years, Rhode Island shipyards have received $4.2 million in grants from this program.