Recognizing the high impact of Tampa’s port on our local economy, Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced today that $10 million is heading to Port of Tampa businesses through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The recipients of the money are dedicated to adding jobs at their shipyards.

“President Obama’s Recovery Act continues to support the economic engines in the Tampa Bay area,” Castor said. “We have directed $8 million to Tampa International Airport, more than $100 million to the Crosstown/ I-4 Port Connector and now $10 million to our shipping economy. These efforts can serve as a catalyst for the rest of our community, generate jobs and improve our infrastructure all at the same time.”

Through the Recovery Act, the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation has granted $98 million to 67 shipyards. In Tampa, receiving funding are:

• International Ship and Marine Services, Inc.: $2,228,307 drydock life extension. International Ship is committed to adding to its current employee base of 231.

• Tampa Ship LLC: $2,270,172 for a panel line. Tampa Ship, with its 500 employees, is creating new jobs and is modernizing its shipyard.

• Gulf Marine Repair Corporation: $4,159,857 for a drydock expansion

• Riverhawk Marine, LLC: $1,290,246 for travelift and syncrolift control upgrade

“This news couldn’t come at a better time,” Castor said. “Our port is a major economic engine not only for our region but for the entire state. Investing in our maritime industry is yet another way we will create and retain jobs and put our economy back on track.”

Tad Humphreys, president of International Ship Repair and Marine Services, applauded the news.

“This will allow International Ship Repair to go out and hire many skilled people earning good wages,” Humphreys said. “In addition to the much-needed employment opportunities, Tampa’s successful ship repair industry becomes even more viable and allows us to grow and compete with other shipyards around the country. The infusion of this recovery money for such worthwhile projects couldn’t come at a better time for the people of this area. The men and women of International Ship Repair want to thank Congresswoman Castor for her leadership and support of the port for many years.”

Added Rick Watts, vice president of Gulf Marine Repair Corp: “Gulf Marine Repair Corporation’s management and employees are extremely pleased to have been awarded funds from the Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyards Grant Program. The Funds will enable us to immediately start widening our ”Scotia”  dry dock.  This will allow Gulf Marine Repair to accommodate the ever increasing size of the barges and ships that we service.  The ship repair industry is a vital part of the Port of Tampa and the Tampa Bay area and provides high paying blue collar jobs. This grant award will generate jobs immediately to perform the work to expand the “Scotia” dry dock and jobs to service our customer’s vessels in the future.”