U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., visited Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, La., for the dedication of the Coast Guard’s newest fleet of Fast Response Cutters (FRCs). Sen. Landrieu, chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, was instrumental in acquiring $358 million in the FY 2012 federal spending bill for Bollinger Shipyards to build six FRCs for the Coast Guard.
Also in attendance were the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the family members of several Coast Guard heroes whose names these ships will bear.
“I was happy to join with Bollinger’s committed workforce for the dedication of this Fast Response Cutter fleet and the delivery to the Coast Guard of the first ship in its class. Acquiring funding for Bollinger Shipyards in this year’s budget was a high priority for me, as these exceptional ships will replace a portion of the Coast Guard’s aging fleet and ensure its ability to carry out critical lifesaving, law enforcement, and homeland security missions for decades to come. What an extraordinary contribution for Louisiana to make to our national security,” Sen. Landrieu said.
In December, Sen. Landrieu announced $358 million for Bollinger Shipyards to build six FRCs for the Coast Guard. The funding was part of a total $8.9 billion in discretionary funding allocated to the Coast Guard in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s budget for FY 2012 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Building six ships in FY12 compared to four in FY11 fills the production line and generates savings of $5 million per ship, resulting in savings of $30 million for taxpayers. The funding also resulted in a projected 800 jobs for Louisianians.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , March 06, 2012; Image: navy