WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the statement below after the announcement that the U.S. Coast Guard will grant an extension to Panama City-based Eastern Shipbuilding’s Offshore Patrol Cutter contract. Eastern Shipbuilding requested this extension following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Michael to its shipbuilding facilities and available labor last year.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Since Hurricane Michael hit last year, I’ve been fighting to make sure Florida families and businesses have everything they need to fully recover and get back to their normal lives. I applaud the Coast Guard’s decision to continue the Offshore Patrol Cutter project in Panama City as the community keeps working to rebuild from the storm. This is incredible news for the local economy and the many families who depend on these jobs, and ensures the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to protect our national security.” 

Earlier this year, Senator Scott and Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Restore Coast Guard Capabilities Act to give the U.S. Coast Guard the authority to take into account the impacts of Hurricane Michael to modify this contract with Panama City-based Eastern Shipbuilding. Senator Scott also worked with Senator Rubio and his colleagues on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to include their proposal in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019, passed by the Committee in July.

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