Ehrlich on Washington column, November 17, 1996

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Lutherville, Maryland 21093 Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of November 17, 1996 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. FIGHTING FOR BETH SHIP The Bethlehem Steel shipyard at Sparrows Point (better known as BethShip) has been one of the economic engines of eastern Baltimore County for more than a century. In war and in peace, the drydocks of BethShip have provided five generations of working folks — our grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends — with a slice of the American dream. Recently Bethlehem Steel announced its plans to sell the shipyard. Some regard this as the end of an era. I disagree. I believe the Sparrows Point shipyard — under new ownership -- and its 560 workers will carry on their mission well into the next century. Over the past two years, I have personally visited the shipyard on two occasions. I have spoken with David Watson, president of BethShip, and Murphy Thornton, head of Lodge S33 of the Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America. Both gentlemen deserve tremendous praise for their joint efforts on behalf of BethShip and its fine workforce. Since coming to Congress, I have done my best to help them. Last August, Senator Barbara Mikulski and I successfully lobbied the U. S. Navy to preserve Baltimore’s status as a “home port area,” thereby protecting BethShip’s eligibility for future naval repair work. Shortly after our bipartisan effort prevailed, the Navy awarded BethShip a $20.5 million contract. Moreover, I have worked to expand BethShip’s access to new business through additional dredging of the Port of Baltimore. Current regulations do not permit the use of federal funds to