U.S. Representative Kathy Castor announced another boost to jobs at the Port of Tampa under a $1 million grant from the Department of Transportation shipyard initiative to Gulf Marine Repair. The funds will be used for a drydock modernization and upgrade.

“To boost our economic recovery, we must play to our strengths and bolster our economic engines such as the port and small businesses,” Castor said. “The Port of Tampa can be a primary force in leading economic recovery in our region.”

Nationwide, $9.98 million in federal funding was available for small shipyards through the U.S. Maritime Administration for capital improvements. The only grant awarded in Florida was to the Port of Tampa and Gulf Marine repair.

“The small shipyard grant initiative has helped us retain and create jobs right here at the Port of Tampa,” said Aaron Hendry, President and Owner of Gulf Marine Repair. “I’d like to thank Congresswoman Castor for working so well with the administration and continuing to push for job creation opportunities for all of the small businesses that do business at the port.”

Rep. Castor has successfully advocated for a number of small shipyard grants to come to the Port of Tampa over the past several years:

FY09 Recovery Act
• Gulf Marine Repair Corporation, Tampa, FL: $4,159,857 for drydock expansion.
• International Ship Repair & Marine Services, Inc., Tampa, FL: $2,228,307 for drydock life extension.
• RiverHawk Marine, LLC, Tampa, FL: $1,290,246 for travelift and syncrolift control upgrade.
• Tampa Ship, LLC, Tampa, FL: $2,270,172 for a panel line.

FY10
• Diversified Marine Tech, Inc. (Tampa, FL)- $644,425 for 90-ton crane and modification of barge for crane use

FY11
• Hendry Corporation (Tampa, FL) - $1,000,000.00 for a new Drydock

FY12
• Gulf Marine Repair Corporation, Tampa, FL: $1,083,055 for a drydock modernization and upgrade.