Courtney applauds ribbon cutting at SUBASE New London Pier 31 | Congressman Joe Courtney
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Courtney applauds ribbon cutting at SUBASE New London Pier 31

April 12, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today applauded the completion and official opening of Pier 31 at SUBASE New London. The new $36-million pier is almost twice the width of the pier it is replacing, and can comfortably berth a Virginia Class submarine on either side – something the old pier could not do. Courtney helped cut the ribbon on the new pier today, along with Governor Malloy, Lieutenant Governor Wyman and other dignitaries.

"Today's ribbon cutting at Pier 31 marks the completion of yet another project that modernizes the infrastructure and increases the strategic value of SUBASE New London," said Congressman Courtney. "Since 2007 I have fought to secure more than $80 million in new military construction projects at the base that will improve operations, bolster training and ensure that the base can achieve its mission. That funding, along with the base's synergy with Electric Boat and strong support from the State of Connecticut have put SUBASE New London in a stronger, more secure position going forward."

In his first year in Congress, Rep. Courtney wrote to the Navy to convey the project's urgent need and to urge its inclusion in the 2009 budget process. In 2008, he helped pass the 2009 Defense Authorization and Military Construction bills that approved the federal funding for the new pier.

The new Pier will be able to accommodate cranes or trucks in support of one boat on one side of the pier, while in no way impeding any service supporting the other boat on the other side of the pier.