A defense appropriations bill backed by U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, could lead to new business in the state.
King, a member of the Armed Services Committee, advocated for key provisions of the bill, which passed the Senate on Tuesday by a 86-8 vote.
Among the funding provisions, the bill includes $5 billion for the procurement of three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Bath Iron Works has long specialized in producing the warships and is eligible to bid on the new procurements.
The bill also authorizes $484 million for subsequent work on the Burke destroyers, and includes funds for the completion of the Zumwalt-class destroyers now being built at BIW.
In addition, the legislation authorizes funding to procure six CH-53K helicopters, which include components produced at Hunting-Dearborn in Fryeburg.
“[The National Defense Authorization Act] will make America safer, support Maine people protecting our nation, and provide much-needed benefits for public servants,” King said in a news release.