WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins today announced that the bill to fund government operations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2014 includes the $100 million that she requested to help construct a fifth Arleigh Burke class destroyer (DDG-51) at Bath Iron Works.
"I worked to secure this critical funding, which is necessary to procure the fifth DDG-51 from BIW, because it will not only help add stability to the workforce there and result in additional savings for the taxpayers, but it will also allow the Navy to send another DDG-51 to sea that is capable of performing many roles and missions in support of our national defense," said Senator Collins, who is a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee which approved the funding. "While the additional funding was originally included in the Senate bill, it was not included in the House version of this funding bill. I worked closely with my colleague, Senator Angus King, who fully supported the effort to add the funds to the appropriations bill. This funding is critical, and that is why I fought so hard to see that the money is included in the final bill. I spoke with Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Sean Stackley, last week, and he said the Navy is prepared to sign the contract option once the $100 million is made available."
In November, and at Senator Collins' request, Defense Secretary Hagel visited Bath Iron Works for a first-hand look at the ongoing shipyard programs.
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