USA: Bollinger to Get Funding for Construction of Six FRCs

U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, announced $250 million for Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, La., to build six Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) for the Coast Guard. Sen. Landrieu included funding for these vessels in the FY 2012 federal spending bill.

“Acquiring funding for these fast response cutters was a high priority for me. These exceptional ships will replace a portion of the Coast Guard’s aging patrol boat fleet and ensure its ability to carry out critical lifesaving, law enforcement, and homeland security missions for decades to come,” Sen. Landrieu said. “What an extraordinary contribution for Louisiana to make to our national security.”

“From her role as chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Sen. Landrieu is in a unique position of influence, particularly over the Coast Guard’s budget. I want to thank her for her leadership in securing this funding and for her constant focus on what needs to be done for Louisiana and for our coast,” said Boysie Bollinger, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. “Bollinger Shipyard is proud to contribute to our country’s safety and security by building these six Fast Response Cutters for the Coast Guard.”

In December 2011, Sen. Landrieu announced funding for Bollinger Shipyards to build six FRCs for the Coast Guard. Building six ships in FY 2012 compared to four in FY 2011 fills the production line and generates savings of $5 million per ship, resulting in savings of $30 million for taxpayers. The funding is also expected to create 800 jobs for Louisianians.

The funding was part of a total $8.9 billion in discretionary funding allocated to the Coast Guard in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s budget for FY 2012. The six boats to be built by Bollinger Shipyards will be homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Coast Guard intends to acquire 58 FRCs, of which 18 have been funded. In the FY 2013 Senate Homeland Security Appropriations bill, Sen. Landrieu included funding for another six Fast Response Cutters to be built in Louisiana, four above the President’s request.

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Naval Today Staff, September 24, 2012; Image: US Navy