Staten Island Reporter

(WASHINGTON, DC) - On May 12 Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) met with representatives from the American Waterways Operators (AWO) and Hughes Bros., a Brooklyn-based maritime company with additional operations on Staten Island, to announce a $1 million federal grant to purchase a floating drydock to repair boats, ships, and department of sanitation recycling barges in and around our ports. Hughes Bros employs maritime workers for their shipyard operations from across New York’s 11th Congress District and relies on many Staten Island shipyard subcontractors to help accomplish vessel repair work. 

"Two months ago, I joined representatives from New York's tugboat and barge industry to highlight the important role federal investment has played in supporting our waterways and creating good-paying jobs in New York Harbor," Congresswoman Malliotakis said. "For over 125 years, Hughes Bros. has tackled nearly every type of maritime challenge up and down the East Coast and this new dry dock will allow them to expand their operations, create additional good-paying jobs and more efficiently repair ships in and around our ports which is critical to keeping our supply chains moving."

"The NY maritime industry is growing and Hughes Bros. is excited to meet the future vessel repair needs of our customers," said Brian Hughes of Hughes Bros. "We thank Rep. Malliatokis and her staff for their tireless support of the US tug and barge industry!"

The funds are being dispersed through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) FY23 Small Shipyard Grant Program which is designed to support small shipyard projects that make capital improvements, provide training for workers in shipbuilding, ship repair, and drive efficiency and competition across the industry.

"We are thrilled that Hughes Bros., a longtime AWO member, has been awarded this grant to support the purchase of a floating dry dock in Brooklyn," said Jennifer Carpenter, AWO President & CEO. "The acquisition of this dry dock is indicative of the growing demand for marine transport in New York and across the country, and will provide career opportunities for New Yorkers from all walks of life to work in the safest, most sustainable mode of freight transportation in the United States."

Original source can be found here.