seCTer is participating in a Department of Defense pilot project intended to create a roadmap for cooperation between large defense contractors and the communities in which they are located.
With a focus on General Dynamics Electric Boat’s role in the region as the largest employer and largest driver of housing and infrastructure needs, the Eastern Connecticut Modernization and Resiliency Pilot is looking at the benefits and challenges of hosting such a large employer. Housing, childcare, and parking are among the top challenges facing the region.
This project stems from an initial conversation between the Defense Department’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and leaders from Groton. Once the pilot was envisioned, the effort was expanded to include the additional municipalities of New London, Ledyard, and Waterford, and representatives from United Way, the Southeastern CT Council of Governments, UConn-Avery Point, Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board, Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. Two consultant groups with expertise in improving relationships between the defense industry and communities are overseeing the project, Patricia Meyer of PM Consulting in Connecticut, and Erin Sparks of Sparks Policy Group in Washington DC.
Given seCTer’s mission to develop a strong, resilient economy, we look forward to contributing our data and staff resources as needed to assist in this important regional effort to improve the business and quality-of-life environment for workers and their families. To read Executive Director Paul Whitescarver’s op-ed in support of the pilot, and published by The Day, click here.
