Christine Conley

Today I co-introduced the Submarine Jobs and Opportunities Building Success Act (JOBS Act) legislation that will invest a total of $150 million in increasing Connecticut’s defense manufacturing jobs and workforce development.

Specifically, the act I am co-introducing will dedicate $100 million in funds over five years for building infrastructure to meet the demand of increased submarine contracts. The legislation also proposes to invest $50 million over 10 years in workforce programs, community colleges and high schools that correspond with the demands of defense contracts for submarine design, construction, repair and maintenance.

Defense manufacturing companies such as Electric Boat have been awarded billions of dollars in submarine contracts in recent years. As the demand for defense manufacturing increases, so too does our need for a skilled workforce. This legislation will not only help these companies meet their workforce needs, but it will also increase the number of local job opportunities and allow Connecticut to remain competitive with surrounding states.

In September, Electric Boat was awarded a $5 billion contract to complete the design of the Columbia class submarine and announced it will need to hire between 15,000 to 18,000 workers by 2030.

To read the entire press release about this bill, click below.