Congressman Rick Larsen’s office is expected to make an announcement today confirming the U.S. Navy’s plans to make a $7-million investment in a new hangar at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

The hangar will house two P-8A Poseidons, twin-engine sub-hunters based on the Boeing’s 737 airframe. They are the replacement aircraft for the aging P-3 Orion turbo-prop.

An aide with Larsen’s office said the investment will not cover the cost of construction, but will pay for design and engineering of the new hangar and the apron, or parking area, for the aircraft.

The funding will also cover design and engineering costs of moving several existing buildings to make way for the new hangar, he said.

The announcement is expected within the hour.