BATH, Maine (AP) - The bipartisan $1.1 trillion spending bill that would pay for the government operations through October has some good news for Maine’s Bath Iron Works.
The budget bill contains $100 million for an extra Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the Maine shipyard.
Sen. Susan Collins was joined by Sen. Angus King in pressing for the funding, which was included in the Senate budget bill but not the House version. Collins and Reps. Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud announced late Monday that it’s now part of the final bill.
The Navy’s contract called for BIW to build four ships, with an option for a fifth, to follow three Zumwalt-class destroyers. Collins said the work reduces the cost of each ship, while giving a boost to the shipyard and the Navy.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.