MARAD Secures $ Million in Federal Funding for Maritime

The U.S. Maritime Administration has announced that $9.98 million in federal funding is now available to qualified small shipyards in the U.S.

Marad says the grants are to help enhance efficiency and competitiveness of small shipyards throughout the U.S. and are available for use for capital and related improvements projects that foster efficiency, and competitive operations; quality ship construction, repair and reconfiguration; and employee training projects. Marad adds that funding is limited to no more than 75 percent of the estimated improvement costs.

In August, Marad awarded $9.98 million in grants to 13 small shipyards throughout the United States after receiving 118 grant applications requesting $105 million in assistance. In April 2010, Marad awarded $14.7 million in grant awards to help improve 17 small shipyards in 16 states. Marad said it received over 160 grant applications requesting $180 million in assistance for that round of funding.

Applications packages for the grants announced last week must be received by 5 p.m. on January 17, 2012.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Transporation today said that $22,200,000 in federal funding has been authorized as part of the Ferry Boat Discretionary (FBD) Program. States, ferry systems, and other public entities responsible for developing ferry facilities are eligible for these FBD discretionary grants. Applications for these grants must be submitted by January 6, 2012.