Local shipyards to receive stimulus money

One Ballard maritime company and one company on the other side of the ship canal are getting a boost from the government. Both Kvichak Marine Industries, Inc. and Foss Maritime Company will receive stimulus money as part of the Assistance to Small Shipyards program announced by the U.S. Maritime Administration. According to the announcement, Foss will receive $621,761 for lifts, forklifts, brake press, bridge crane, welding machines, and hydraulic dollies. Kvichak will receive $1,138,602 for crane, aluminum plate processing, and training. Both shipyards are members of the North Seattle Industrial Association. Eugene Wasserman of the NSIA says, “These grants demonstrate the Obama’s administration commitment to the maritime businesses in our area. We share their commitment.” A couple other non-Ballard-area shipyards will also receive stimulus dollars. Todd Shipyards will receive nearly $2 million for a training program and Lake Union Drydock, Co. will get more than $184,000 for IT upgrade, and steel-plate roller.