Contact: Barbara Riley
Thursday, September 18, 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH), John Sununu (R-NH), Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced that the Senate has approved the Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Authorization bill which authorizes $20.7 million for the construction of a new Dry Dock #3 Waterfront Support Facility at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY).  The legislation fully authorizes spending for a state-of-the-art facility to enhance the productivity and efficiency on submarine depot availabilities.  The new Dry Dock facility will assist the Shipyard in its mission of supporting the Navy’s newest Virginia Class submarines. 

            The Senators stated, “The Senate’s authorization of $20.7 million for the modernization of Dry Dock #3 means this critical project is one step closer to reality.  The Shipyard is currently able to work on Virginia Class Submarines, however, this upgrade will ensure that Portsmouth continues to operate at the highest level with a state-of-the-art facility.  This project is the top priority for leaders at the Shipyard and will improve productivity, safety and ensure the Shipyard is well equipped to continue its historic gold-standard in submarine maintenance. We will continue to fight to make sure that this important project is included in the final bill when it reaches the President’s desk.”

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