The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) awarded a $34.6 million contract for the design and construction of a new facility for eight of the largest government ready reserve fleet cargo ships on the Neches River near Beaumont, Texas. “The Neches River facility means jobs for Beaumont and improved support for our ready reserve fleet,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. When completed in 2013, the new facility will include a mooring structure with fixed berths for the vessels, electrical service needed to meet vessel, shoreside lighting and communication requirements, and basic utility services, such as water, fire suppression system, and sewage connections.