Courtney Announces $422,000 Grant for Local Shipyard | Congressman Joe Courtney
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Courtney Announces $422,000 Grant for Local Shipyard

July 23, 2013

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-2) announced a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in the amount of $422,264, to Thames Shipyard and Repair in New London. The grant was made possible through the competitively awarded Small Shipyard Grant Program.

“I am pleased that one of our local shipyards will be receiving this grant, which in an important investment in our region’s shipbuilding and maritime industry. This grant both increases capacity for repairs at the shipyard, and reduces impact on the environment,” Courtney said.

“This project is consistent with our overall plan of making our shipyard more efficient and able to meet the demand of a greater volume of customers. We recognize the importance of quality and timely ship repair in the commercial industries we serve, and this project will ensure Thames Shipyard remains a leader in the Northeast,” said John P. Wronowski, president of Thames Shipyard & Repair, Co. Inc.

One of the most promising centers of job growth in New London has been the new hiring at the Thames Shipyard, whose enlarged drydock has drawn new business. The grant will assist Thames Shipyard & Repair in the acquisition and implementation of a complete environmentally-friendly ultrahigh-pressure (“UHP”) surface preparation system. The project will further expand the capacity and efficiency of Thames Shipyard’s surface preparation operations, while allowing it to serve more vessels from the core of its customer base. According to the shipyard, the project will more than double their surface preparation capabilities.