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Blumenthal Announces $5 Million for National Coast Guard Museum in Negotiated Spending Plan

(Hartford, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today announced $5 million in new funding secured for the Coast Guard to help construct the National Coast Guard Museum in New London. The funds are included in the negotiated spending plan for the remainder of FY2017, expected to be approved by Congress this week.

 

This major federal appropriation is a win for New London -- a long overdue recognition of the Coast Guard’s distinguished service to our nation. New London has provided tremendous leadership in laying the groundwork for this historic museum, and it is long overdue that the federal government be a full partner,” Blumenthal said. “I look forward to standing with the Coast Guard community in New London when the museum opens its doors.”

 

This funding was made possible because of language in the Coast Guard Authorization Act, which Blumenthal steered through the Commerce Committee and fought to pass in the full Senate and House with U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2). That language authorizes federal funds to support the museum.

The Coast Guard Authorization Act, which was signed into law in December 2015, allows the U.S. Coast Guard to use federal funds to support the construction and installation of exhibits and displays for the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut. Before its passage, the Coast Guard was limited in using federal funds to build the facility, and this has slowed the museum’s construction and hampered private fundraising efforts.