WRDA 2020 Winds its Way to Passage
In early October, Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) reported in its newsletter Capitol Currents that the future of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 hung in the balance, with many unknowns for its chances of being signed into law during the Lame Duck session of Congress that just concluded in late December.But despite twists and turns and a roller coaster ride, WRDA was, indeed, passed by Congress on December 21 as part of the FY21 Omnibus Appropriations that included a $900 billion COVID Relief package.
WRDA 2020: A Historic Win for Inland Waterways -WCI
On December 21, as part of an Omnibus Appropriations and COVID-19 relief funding package, the U.S. House of Representatives passed (359 yeas to 53 nays), and later the U.S. Senate passed (92 to 6) the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) called it a historic win for the inland waterways.The package included WCI’s top priority to adjust the cost-share for construction and major rehabilitation of inland waterways projects from 50% Inland…
Rep. Granger Visits Newport News Shipbuilding
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) hosted Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, on February 23 for a tour of the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin accompanied the congresswoman on the shipyard tour, which included progress updates on the aircraft carriers Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), as well as the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) refueling complex overhaul and the Enterprise (CVN 65) inactivation. Granger also learned about Newport News’ role in the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine programs.
US Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship
The Navy is to commission the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship Fort Worth (LCS 3) in a ceremony at the Port of Galveston, Texas. Fort Worth, the third LCS delivered to the Navy and the second of the steel, semi-planing monohull Freedom variant, is designed to operate quickly in shallow water littoral environments to counter challenging threats in coastal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast surface craft. The Fort Worth will maintain a forward presence and deter hostility while projecting power and maintaining sea control.
Lockheed Martin-Led Team Launches Third LCS
The Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)-led industry team launched the nation's third Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Fort Worth, at the Marinette Marine shipyard. The 389-ft Fort Worth was launched into the Menominee River. Just prior to its launch, the ship's sponsor, Congresswoman Kay Granger of Texas, christened Fort Worth with the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow. In March 2009, the U.S. Navy awarded the Lockheed Martin-led industry team a contract to construct Fort Worth. Only 20 months later, the ship is 80 percent complete. Now formally christened and launched, Fort Worth will continue to undergo outfitting and testing at Marinette Marine before delivery to the Navy in 2012.
