Several Rhode Island jobs will soon be saved as two state shipyards receive federal funding. Visit http://www.rijobs.com to learn more.

Two Rhode Island shipyards will receive $2.6 million in federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help create and preserve jobs for ship builders. Blount Boats, Inc. of Warren and Senesco Marine of North Kingstown were each awarded the money under the Small Shipyards Grant Program.

Blount Boats, Inc. will receive $868,186 and Senesco Marine will receive $1,792,347. The Small Shipyards Grant program, created under the ARRA, has so far provided $98 million in funding to more than 70 shipyards throughout the country.

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Anyone looking for a Rhode Island career is probably struggling as the state faces one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates. However, Rhode Island is hoping its maritime industry will soon make a comeback and create several new jobs.

During December 2008, Rhode Island had a total non-farm employment of 468,800 workers, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is down from 471,800 workers during November 2008 and a 4.5 percent decrease from last year.

The state had an unemployment rate of 10 percent during December, up from 9.3 percent during November and higher than the national unemployment rate of 7.2 percent.

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