WASHINGTON – The Senate has approved $9.65 million for a new waterfront support structure at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, New Hampshire Sens. Judd Gregg and John Sununu said Tuesday.

The addition will support upcoming USS Virginia class submarine depot overhaul work. The funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2007 Military Construction/Veterans Administration appropriations bill.

The bill now goes to a joint House-Senate conference committee where differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill will be reconciled.

“These funds will further aid in the shipyard’s proven track record of under budget, ahead of schedule delivery of submarines,” said Gregg, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “It is part of our continuing effort to ensure that Portsmouth remains active for many years into the future.