WASHINGTON — Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC in Jeanerette is one of 29 small shipyards that have been awarded money to support capital improvements with $20 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration.

Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, which evolved into Metal Shark, was awarded $451,860 to support the purchase of an 80-ton rough terrain crane and welding equipment. The Teche Area boat-building firm was one of two in Louisiana to benefit from the grant as Bollinger Shipyards Lockport LLC received $521,753 to support the purchace os a lathe mill multi-task machine and a Python X Robotics CNC plasma cutting structural fabrication system.

The Small Shipyard Grant Program foster increased efficiency and economic growth, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. 

“These grants are an investment in our country’s small shipyards and will help create good jobs for America’s workers,” Chao said.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, hailed the money going to two companies in Louisiana.

“This is fantastic news for local business and the workers who will benefit,” Cassidy said. “We worked to preserve this vital grant program and am glad it will help Louisiana communities.”

Last year, Cassidy introduced the Small Shipyards and Maritime Communities Act to reauthorize the Small Shipyard Grant Program through 2020. In December of last year, that legislation was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

America’s shipyards support more than 400,000 jobs and contribute more than $37 billion in Gross Domestic Product to the nation’s economy. Small shipyards vary in size, but have under 1,200 production employees to be eligible for grant awards. They play a significant role in our country’s maritime sector, contributing to our nation’s economy, supporting national security, maintaining critical infrastructure, and creating employment opportunities for working families and in small communities.

“By supporting small shipyards, we are investing in the maritime infrastructure of the country,” Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby said.

Since 2008, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded more than $183 million to more than 180 small shipyards. These grants help fund the upgrades and expansions to empower this critical industry, allowing them to compete more effectively in a rapidly changing global marketplace. By providing the capital that will let shipyards increase their repair and production footprints these grants are helping to create more jobs throughout the country.