Senate panel OKs $46.3 million for Mayport

July 7, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Paving the way for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be stationed at Naval Station Mayport, the Senate Appropriations Committee today approved $46.3 million for dredging.

According to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, the move to station a nuclear carrier at Mayport is needed to disperse the fleet along the East Coast, instead of keeping the carriers at one location in Norfolk, Virginia.

“This is a big step towards getting Mayport ready for a nuclear carrier, a move that will help protect our Atlantic naval operations,” said Nelson.

The $46.3 million will go toward dredging the St. Johns River, an improvement that is necessary for carriers to access the port at all times. Currently, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers can only access Mayport with a light load and during high tide.  The appropriations measure also includes $29.6 million for wharf improvements.

The Mayport upgrades will next go to the full Senate as part of broader legislation that provides funding for military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The Appropriations Committee in the House of Representatives approved funding for Mayport dredging on June 23, and the House is expected to take up its version of the bill next week.

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