There’s been a lot of talk about constructing a naval shipyard on the site where the Erie Coke plant used to be, but what would that look like and what kinds of ships might be built there? The Erie-Western PA Port Authority recently adopted a refresh of earlier plans which included everything from walking trails to retail shops, but Gem City Shipbuilding proposed a plan which many of us agree, promises the best economic boost to Erie County.
What kinds of ships?
Their plan is to build ships for our Navy and Coast Guard, an operation which would mean jobs for welders, steelworkers, pipefitters, steamfitters, HVAC, naval architects, engineers, construction specialists and more, the kinds of jobs that support families and build communities. Not only that, but manufacturing is a powerhouse job generator and there would be an estimated 2.67 jobs associated downstream for every 1 shipyard job at this location. That’s a plan we can all support.
Gem City Shipbuilding presentation
Previously:
Erie Shipyard Opportunity: Billion‑Dollar Economic Engine Waits for Gov’t Action