WASHINGTON (AP) – Here’s some good news for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and people looking for jobs in Maine and New Hampshire.

The shipyard will be conducting a $248 million dollar refueling job on the U.S.S. Jacksonville submarine that could mean an additional 800 jobs during the next two years at the shipyard.

The money is part of a Defense Department appropriations bill that still needs the approval of House and Senate budget negotiators.

The yard also is getting a share of a $29 million apprentice program approved by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.

U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., who is on the committee, said the program will allow the shipyard to induct at least 125 apprentices next year. Gregg said the program will ensure a continued supply of qualified workers at the yard.

AP-ES-07-10-03 1650EDT