The Maritime Administration (MARAD) of the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced $19.6 million in grant awards to 24 small shipyards in 19 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. Recipients include the Fincantieri Marine Group of Wisconsin (pictured), Great Lakes Towing of Cleveland, Ohio and Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp. of Maryland.

The funds are to help awardees modernize, increase productivity, and expand local employment opportunities.

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

MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded $282.2 million since 2008 to nearly 300 shipyards in 32 states and territories throughout the U.S.

“These grants will allow small businesses to do what they do best, which is to build essential infrastructure while creating long-term and well-paying jobs for Americans,” said Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “Better equipment means increased productivity and more ships and watercraft moving through our small shipyards. Growing this industry further supports and strengthens our domestic maritime industry.” (Photo from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding)