BATH (AP) — Shipbuilders at Maine’s Bath Iron Works will soon learn whether they’re getting a critical contract.

The Navy has told Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King of Maine that it intends to issue a contract for up to 10 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers by June 4, with work to be completed over five years from fiscal 2013 through 2017.

The fact that the Navy is moving forward is considered a positive sign.

Collins says the contract would have been in jeopardy under a long-term continuing resolution on the budget and that a Bath win would mean job security for shipyard workers.

King says Bath is a strong competitor on the project.