Nichols Brothers to get federal stimulus money

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders will get nearly a million dollars federal stimulus funds, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray announced Tuesday.

The money, included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is part of more than $7 million that will be distributed among 10 shipyards in Washington state.

Nichols Brothers will receive $841,077 in funding through the Maritime Administration’s Supplemental Grants for Assistance to Small Shipyards program.

The biggest recipient in the state will be Todd Pacific Shipyards, which will receive roughly $1.9 million.

“I’m thrilled that 10 more Washington state shipyards will get this crucial financial boost to help them create jobs and make vital capital improvements,” Sen. Murray said.

As the chairwoman of the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing funding for the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration's small shipyard program, Murray included $100 million in the Recovery Act to improve small shipyards and create jobs. The bill was signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 17.

“Our small shipyards are a critical piece of our domestic maritime industry – and of Washington state’s economy," Murray said. "Especially while our economy is struggling, these grants are important to help our domestic shipping industry stay strong and competitive.”

The grants were released Tuesday, and nationwide, total $98 million for small shipyards.

Washington received the most grants of any state. Other shipyards that will get grants are Kvichak Marine Industries, Inc. in Seattle, $1.1 million; Foss Marine Company's Seattle yard, $621,761; Lake Union Drydock Company in Seattle, $184,217; and SAFE Boats International in Port Orchard, $1 million.