Eastern Connecticut

“While Congressman Larson and I originally announced that the IRS was going to make this tax relief available late last year, many people are still just learning about the program and the fact that it will be available until 2021,” said Courtney. “Local residents should be aware that the additional three years afforded under this updated guidance we received in February will provide critical time for to make foundation repairs and secure federal tax relief. I would like to thank the Office of the Connecticut Taxpayer Advocate and Congressman John Larson for their participation today.

“It is long past time for the federal government to live up to the commitments to relieve our communities of the burdens associated with storing nuclear waste locally. This bipartisan compromise broke through the gridlock in Washington and may finally provide a way out for these communities,” Courtney said.

“The sudden and stunning decision by Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute to close its campuses last week left Connecticut students with nowhere to turn. That is why I called on the Department to act quickly to provide information and resources for students,” said Courtney.

“Today is a special day in southeastern Connecticut as we mark the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Navy installation that would become Naval Submarine Base New London,” said Courtney. “On this date in 1868, the state of Connecticut and the city of New London conveyed a deed of gift to the U.S. Navy that was only 5,200 feet long and 700 feet wide. Over time, that small tract of land along the Thames River has grown in size and stature as it became the home to the ‘first and finest’ submarine base."

“It would be difficult to overstate how important dredging and dredging disposal is to the maritime economy of southeastern Connecticut,” said Courtney. “Without the regular dredging of ports and waterways, a vast array of economic activities in our region ranging from recreational boating to commercial maritime transportation, shipbuilding, the Coast Guard Academy, and the submarine base would simply cease."

“As the ranking member of the Seapower subcommittee, it is great to see the shipbuilding plan we passed fueling positive trends and growth. This visit was proof that the work we are doing with the Navy is generating sustained growth across the entire state, not just at the shipyard itself.”

“Since 2015, the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services has attempted to identify a location for a new training range. And for these last three years, I have been deeply concerned about the ongoing efforts to place this facility in towns across eastern Connecticut – in every instance over the strong objection of local citizens and municipal leaders,” wrote Courtney in his testimony.