Thursday, June 26, 2008MEDIA CONTACT

Jamie Radice (202) 225-5456

Shea-Porter Ensures Shipyard Funding Passes Major Hurdle  

More than $11 million in funding for Shipyard passes out of Appropriations Committee

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today announced that her request for $11.43 million in funding for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, including $ 9.98 million for the Global Submarine Component Facility and $1.45 million for the design of the Waterfront Support Facility, has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee. This inclusion is a significant step toward appropriating funding for the new military construction projects at the Shipyard.

“Not only does the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard contribute greatly to our nation’s defense, it also provides thousands of jobs to hardworking New Hampshire families,” said Shea-Porter. “I will continue to work hard to ensure the shipyard is protected.”

“Congresswoman Shea-Porter has shown outstanding leadership in securing this funding,” said Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX), Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.  “Ensuring the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has the proper funding is just another example of Congresswoman Shea-Porter fighting for the people of New Hampshire.”  

If passed by the full House as expected, the funding will support the construction of the Consolidated Global Submarine Component Facility.  The building will support the maintenance, repair, refueling, and overhaul work.  New automated material handling systems and increased capacity will further improve the efficiency and safety of the yard.  The facility will house materials for both the older Los Angeles-class submarines and the new Virginia Class vessels.     

The Waterfront Support Facility will allow the Shipyard to perform maintenance on the next generation of nuclear submarines, the Virginia-class.  Being able to perform this function is a crucial component of the Shipyard’s long term mission.

Shea-Porter, a member of the Armed Services Committee, has made securing shipyard funding a top priority.  Last year, she successfully secured $1.2 million for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s Submarine Dry Dock Support Facility.