Madison–State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Finance released the following statement:
“I am ecstatic not only for my hometown but all of Wisconsin with the announcement that Fincantieri Marinette Marine has been awarded the highly competitive Navy contract to build frigate warships,” said Rep. Nygren. “This is a monumental moment for Wisconsin and speaks to the highly skilled individuals that live and work in Wisconsin.”
The United States Navy contract will require the delivery of Frigates and could be worth up to $5.5 billion over the next decade. With the potential to add up to 1,000 employees in Marinette, this contract will obviously have a huge impact on Northeast Wisconsin’s economy, but the impact will be felt throughout Wisconsin.
Earlier this year, Rep. Nygren circulated a letter among colleagues in the State Legislature in support of Fincantieri Marinette Marine. The letter, which was delivered to the Trump Administration, received broad bipartisan support. 54 Democrat and Republican Senators and Representatives signed onto this important letter of support.
In the state budget, Rep. Nygren was able to secure $29 million in Harbor Assistance grants. This funding is being used for dredging, construction, and capital equipment associated with Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s facilities improvements related to the company’s execution of this contract. Rep. Nygren also helped guide through the Joint Committee on Finance $2 million in workforce training grants for Marinette Marine.
In February, Rep. Nygren had the opportunity to meet with the President’s advisor on trade and manufacturing to advocate for Fincantieri Marinette Marine as a partner for the US Navy and the importance of Wisconsin jobs. Last year, Vice President Pence visited Marinette Marine to advocate in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). With over 160 suppliers around the state, an employment impact of over 5,400 jobs, and a $4.4 billion economic impact in northeastern Wisconsin alone, it’s clear how much Marinette Marine means to Wisconsin.
“This is not just important to northeastern Wisconsin, but important for Wisconsin as a whole,” said Rep. Nygren. “I would like to thank my colleagues for recognizing the need to invest in northeastern Wisconsin’s economy and Marinette Marine.”
