KITTERY, Maine (AP) Some major projects that have been in the works for years are beginning to take shape at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Two U.S. senators joined Navy officials Friday in breaking ground on a Paint, Blast and Rubber Facility that comprises more than 65,000 square feet and consolidated warehouse comprising about 29,000 square feet. Together the projects are worth nearly $80 million.

The Navy also announced the award of a nearly $158 million contract for dry dock improvements.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire attended the event Friday morning in Kittery, Maine.

Officials said the projects are key to modernizing and optimizing the shipyard. The General Accounting Office says equipment is aging beyond the expected life at all four of the nation’s public shipyards.