Bath Iron Works has gotten the green light to build one of two guided missile destroyers approved by the Pentagon this year.

The Pentagon announced Monday that it approved the construction of an Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyer to be built over several years at BIW, costing as much as $2.5 billion, pending Congressional approval.

The move comes at the urging of Maine’s congressional delegation after the Trump administration initially proposed the creation of just one destroyer for the 2027 fiscal year built by another shipyard.

Sen. Susan Collins, who heads the appropriations committee, as well as  Sen. Angus King, called for the additional funding during a visit to the shipyard in April.

Collins also met with Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg in July to advocate for the project.

BIW President Charles F. Krugh said in a statemen on Monday:

“The announcement makes it clear that we are succeeding in our efforts to improve shipbuilding and that is leading to more work – which is good for the business and good for each and every one of us who works here.”