Statement Regarding Funding for Manufacturing Workforce Development & Dredging

State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) and State Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton) released the following statement regarding the state Bond Commission’s approval of $8 million in funding for workforce training programs and $20 million in state aid for dredging to support the launch of submarines from a new dry dock and manufacturing superstructure being built in Groton.

“We believe it is important for the state to show strong support for essential workforce training programs such as the state’s Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) which enhance workforce development statewide benefiting a wide range of job creators – from small mom and pop vendors and manufacturers to larger employers. In addition, there is a long history surrounding the need for funding to support dredging, not only at Electric Boat but throughout our state where marinas of varying sizes and boating access points and ports depend on occasional sediment removal to keep our waterways free of buildup that impedes sub movement and shipping traffic. This further highlights the immediate need to secure access to our nearby disposal site which will reduce the costs of disposal in an environmentally suitable way.”