County Commission Presses Congress for LCS Approval

Posted on: Dec 7th, 2010 | News and Announcements

The Mobile County Commission is urging Congress to approve the U.S. Navy?s plan for split of its Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) contract. Last month, the Navy approved a plan to build 10 LCS at Austal USA in Mobile and 10 LCS at Lockheed-Martin?s Marinette Marine Shipyard in Wisconsin. The Commission has sent letters to House and Senate members who are taking the lead in Congress to get the split buy approved (sample letter attached). Such a move would have to take place in the next week, before offers from both companies expire. ?I know there are many pressing needs Congress is dealing with, but this measure would put thousands of people to work across the country and would begin to immediately address the Navy?s needs,? said County Commissioner Connie Hudson. Officials at Austal say their work force could more than double if the contract is approved. ?We?re talking about another 1,500 to 2,000 jobs in Mobile,? said County Commissioner Mike Dean. ?This will have a strong impact on our regional economy.? Austal opened on the Downtown Mobile riverfront in 2001. It also has a contract to build five Joint High Speed Vessels for the U.S. military. ?Austal has accomplished a tremendous amount in less than a decade,? said County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. ?We?re thrilled to have them here putting our people to work and making the very best for our military.?