Big news for Connecticut’s defense! The U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton just received a $7.7 million grant for major waterfront upgrades. This isn’t just about docks; it’s about securing the base’s future and ensuring its vital role in our state’s economy for years to come. What does this mean for our national security and local jobs?

Governor Ned Lamont recently delivered a significant $7.7 million grant to the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut, marking a crucial step in the state’s long-term commitment to safeguard the installation’s future and bolster its operational capabilities. This substantial investment is earmarked for essential dock and waterfront improvements, directly addressing critical infrastructure needs at the vital military facility.

This latest funding installment is part of a two-decade-old promise by the state of Connecticut to ensure the Groton submarine base remains a cornerstone of both national defense and the regional economy. The state’s proactive measures aim to continually enhance the base’s appeal and functionality, preventing its inclusion on any future U.S. Navy Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) lists, a fate that once threatened the installation.

During a formal ceremony, Governor Lamont and base commander Captain Kenneth Curtin officially signed documents transferring the funds. Captain Curtin specified that the $7.7 million will be dedicated to upgrading small craft dockage facilities along the base’s secured waterfront on the Thames River. These improvements are vital for the efficient deployment and storage of vessels critical for security and environmental response operations.

The small craft benefiting from these upgrades are indispensable for various essential duties, including robust waterfront security patrols and swift environmental response to incidents like oil spills. Currently, some of these vessels are stored on and launched from trailers, highlighting the operational efficiencies and enhanced readiness that the new dockage improvements will bring to the Groton submarine base.

This $7.7 million grant represents the most recent allocation in a series of state contributions, totaling approximately $23 million provided to the U.S. Navy since 2009. While a modest sum compared to the overall operational costs of the base, it serves as a powerful symbol of Connecticut’s unwavering dedication to the installation, which is a significant economic driver for southeastern Connecticut.

The U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton is a sprawling complex, home to approximately 6,000 sailors and Department of Defense civilian employees. It hosts the U.S. Navy’s submarine school and serves as the home port for 22 submarines, underlining its strategic importance to national security and naval operations.

The base’s history in Groton dates back to 1867, situated roughly a mile north of the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, a principal contractor for nuclear submarines. In the early 2000s, the Groton base faced potential closure when the Pentagon listed it as an excess installation under the Congressionally-authorized Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, designed to streamline military infrastructure.

Connecticut’s sustained financial commitments and political advocacy have been instrumental in averting such a closure. These grants, including the recent $7.7 million, are direct investments in maintaining the base’s viability and demonstrating its indispensable role, thereby safeguarding thousands of jobs and ensuring its continued contribution to the U.S. Navy’s readiness.