The Port of Toledo’s is very happy to be a recipient of 2019 MARAD Small Shipyard Grant funds. The Port's grant application requested $261,285 to establish a Vocational Welding Lab at its Industrial Park. The Port partnered with Oregon Coast Community College, Lincoln County School District, and Northwest Oregon Works to create a credited welding program targeted to developing the maritime workforce. Grant funds will be used to purchase welding equipment and make building improvements for a training lab for 12 students at the Port's Industrial Park.
The Port is responsible for matching funds of $87,096 and to build the lab. Oregon Coast Community College will administer the training program and provide the curriculum and instructors. This project builds on the Port's current partnership with Lincoln County School District. This year, students from Toledo and Waldport High Schools' industrial programs were invited to apply for internships at the Port's Shipyard. The students, under direct supervision of the Shipyard's crew, were able to weld, paint, make vessel repairs, and learn about shipyard operations. Port Manager Bud Shoemake says the program's success was due to the enthusiasm that the students, school district staff, boat owners, and the shipyard crew had for the project.
On June 17, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced the $19.6 million in Maritime Administration (MARAD) grant awards. The grants are to be used to support capital improvements at 28 U.S. small shipyards as a part of its Small Shipyard Grant program. The grant also provides for funding to support employee training and related improvements that foster increased efficiency and economic growth. "These grants help create jobs in America's small shipyards, which play a significant role in our country's maritime sector," said Chao.
The Port of Toledo thanks our US Senators Wyden and Merkley and Congressman Schrader as well as our State legislators, Representative Gomberg and Senator Roblan for their support of this project.
Information and photo provided by Port of Toledo
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