Gov. Abbott Breaks Ground On $1 Billion Effort on Shipyard in Galveston

GALVESTON, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday delivered remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony for a $1 billion modernization project at Davie Defense’s Gulf Copper Shipyards’ Coast Guard icebreaker production facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur.

The project marks the state’s first complex shipbuilding effort in decades.

"This is a quintessential America First project," said Governor Abbott. "America has a dire need for more ships. Texas is proud to partner with Davie Defense on this project. These ships will be built in Texas, crewed by Americans, and deployed to defend American sovereignty in the fastest-growing strategic theater on earth: the Arctic."

Abbott said the investment will expand advanced defense manufacturing in Texas, create thousands of jobs and strengthen U.S. maritime security. The project is expected to create approximately 2,400 new jobs, with an overall statewide economic impact supporting nearly 7,000 jobs.

State officials also credited Texas’ business climate and workforce for helping secure the expansion.

Abbott was joined at the event by Ted Cruz, Randy Weber, U.S. Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Kevin Lunday, Galveston Mayor John Paul Listowski, Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar and Davie Defense leadership.