State (CT) Backs Sub Base Projects

[unhappycamper]

State Backs Sub Base Projects
August 06, 2010
The Day, New London, Conn.

Groton -- The state of Connecticut is allocating another $3 million for projects at the Naval Submarine Base to help ensure the base's future.

Connecticut became the first state to fully fund a construction project on a base last year when Gov. M. Jodi Rell gave Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus $7.65 million to make improvements at the submarine base.

Now Rell plans to give the Navy another $3.22 million for projects that will improve the training for the officers and sailors at the Naval Submarine School. Rell said Tuesday that she expects the state Bond Commission to approve the funding on Aug. 11.

Mabus returned to the base on Saturday for the commissioning of the USS Missouri (SSN 780).

"I do think it's a wonderful program that Connecticut has," Mabus said, when asked about the state's investment in the base. "It shows the faith Connecticut has in its work force. It shows the faith Connecticut has in the military, and it shows the faith that Connecticut has in the Navy in particular. I would urge other states to take a close look at it."

[brendan120678]

1. I'm glad that my state supports the sub base, but...

the fact that state funds are being used to improve a federal military facility, when billions of dollars are being spent annually in Iraq & Afghanistan just seems wrong.

[calico1]

2. I am torn.

I understand the reasons for NOT supporting something like this.

But on the other hand, the Sub Base is about 5 minutes from my house.

If it closed this area would be economically devastated.

[brendan120678]

3. Absolutely true. The sub base is necessary for...

that area's economy. I'm in Waterbury, so it doesn't effect me as much, but the ripple effect would certainly be felt.

[unhappycamper]

4. And this is the reason the MIC is in the driver's seat. n/t

[Bonhomme Richard]

5. +100

About the only decent jobs left are those DOD related or sub-related to the DOD. That is the HUGE elephant in the room. Who wants to go after those jobs. I had to listen to a guy last week who happen to be an engineer for Lockheed and he also helps them write Gov. proposals. All he went on about was Obama being a socialist without any thought of the hipocracy of his statement. If anyone's pay was coming from the taxpayer it is this guy. By the way, this 30 year old did have a nice 42' Cabin Cruiser.