Two Jackson County shipbuilders are awaiting approval of grants from the state for their plans to expand their facilities.

VT Halter Marine wants to construct a pipe and marine fabrication building at its Pascagoula yard. Officials say with the structure, entire vessels could be built under cover.

Signal International wants to dredge an area to construct a “deep-hole” dry dock. To dry dock a vessel for repairs or other work, a rig is lowered into the water, the vessel moves on top of it, and the vessel is lifted from the water.

Signal must now facilities at the Northrop Grumman Shipyard in Pascagoula.

The grants are provided through the Mississippi Development Authority.