Legislators Applaud State Support For Electric Boat

GROTON, CT — State Representatives Joe de la Cruz, Christine Conley and Chris Soto applauded Tuesday's announcement of a significant jobs creation and infrastructure program at Groton’s Electric Boat, a subsidiary of General Dynamics.

The Pentagon has ordered 29 Virginia Class and 12 new Columbia Class submarines to be delivered over the next 20 years, according to a release. Electric Boat will add at least 1,900 new jobs to meet demand.

“Our work to secure EB’s stability and future is paying off with high-paying, skilled jobs for Southeastern Connecticut, and the expansion of shipbuilding facilities,” Conley said in a release. “Today’s announcement is the result of a unified effort to support EB and protect the nation’s premier submarine manufacturer from again becoming the target of a Base Realignment and Closure Commission.”

“As the largest employer in the region – and state – EB is critical to our economy," de la Cruz said in a release. “I am excited we’re increasing the ability for our jobs-training and student-to-manufacturing programs to fill the thousands of positions coming online at EB, and the addition of shipbuilding facilities ensures the nation’s submarines will be made by qualified workers and delivered to the Pentagon on time.”

“Today’s jobs announcement at Electric Boat further illustrates our state’s need for a skilled workforce, specifically in Southeastern Connecticut,” Soto said in a release. “New London serves as the region’s hub and I stand ready to work with our partners to meet that need.”

The state is partnering with EB parent General Dynamics to ensure the sub-builder’s success. The Department of Economic and Community Development will provide $35 million in incentives and loan forgiveness towards new equipment and machinery and an $8 million grant for workforce development programs at area high schools, trade schools and community colleges.

The state will put up $20 million to dredge for a new dry dock and manufacturing facility in support of shipbuilding construction.

In addition, Electric Boat benefits with up to $20 million in various tax exemptions for improvements to and new construction facilities at its Groton operations.

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