State Celebrates Improvements to Groton Sub Base

State officials have opened an updated pier and culinary training center at the Naval Submarine Base at Groton.

Gov. Dannel Malloy, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and Rep. Joe Courtney attended a ribbon-cutting on Thursday on a new $36 million pier that was funded by the Navy.

The state has been making investments to increase the value of the sub base since it was nearly closed by the U.S. government in 2005. Courtney said the improvements increase the strategic value of the base.

Courtney said the new pier can accommodate cranes or trucks to support a boat on one side without impeding work on a boat on the other side.

Connecticut has committed $50 million for improvements for the submarine industry, including dry-dock facilities at Groton-based contractor Electric Boat.