Improvements will help yard be more competitive and efficient 

Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter and Chellie Pingree, both Members of the House Armed Services Committee, announced today that they secured funding for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as part of the Defense Authorization Bill.  The funding to improve the Structural Shops will help the shipyard remain competitive. The shipyard is vital to Maine and New Hampshire’s economy and critical to our nation’s defense.

“The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employs thousands of workers who need a modernized work environment,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “The renovation and construction will provide that and will also provide jobs.” 

“The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has been able to hire people even during tough economic times because they continue to do quality work while becoming more and more efficient,” Pingree said.  “Consolidating the Structural Shops is key to keeping the yard competitive.”

The National Defense Authorization Act, which was passed by the House Armed Services Committee last night, includes $11.9 million in funding to consolidate the Structural Shops at the Shipyard. This funding will modernize Structural Shop operations, improve equipment layout, and streamline process flow. Without this modernization, Structural Shop performance cannot be improved, which could cause delays and impact fleet readiness. Shea-Porter and Pingree requested the funding.

The Defense Authorization bill will be voted on by the full House next week.