NEW BERN, N.C. (AP) - Custom Steel Boats Inc. of Merritt has won a $1.5 million contract to build a passenger ferry for the city of Savannah, Ga.
The Sun Journal of New Bern reported that the company will build a 67-foot, 149-passenger vessel to ferry riders from downtown to the International Trade and Convention Center located on Hutchinson Island in the Savannah River.
Convention center general manager Bob Coffey says the project is being paid for with federal economic stimulus money and a U.S. Transportation Department grant.
Custom Steel Boats vice president Teresa Flowers says the company will rehire five workers laid off because of lack of business and add two more. The company also will bring back as many as 30 of its subcontractors.
The boat is expected to be completed next September.
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