Gov. Tony Evers said Thursday he plans to commit $31 million in his budget plan to help shipbuilder Marinette Marine.
The shipyard expansion will help Marinette Marine keep its workforce of 1,500 employees and add 400 full-time positions. The state funding is contingent on Marinette Marine’s receipt of additional federal funds, according to a statement from Evers’ office.
Marinette Marine has been one of two companies building littoral combat ships since 2005. But the U.S. Navy is discontinuing the LCS in favor of a larger frigate class ship next year.
Marinette Marine is in the running for design and construction of the new ship, according to a statement from Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette.
“This investment will help Marinette Marine continue to compete on the world stage for years to come,” Nygren said in a tweet Thursday.