President Barack Obama has designated Connecticut under his administration’s Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership initiative, giving the state access to more than $1 billion in federal funding.
Connecticut is one of 12 applicants to earn the designation, which opens the state up to coordinated support from 11 federal agency. Connecticut was chosen for its aerospace and defense shipbuilding industries, which includes companies like East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney and Groton-based Electric Boat and their in-state suppliers.
The IMCP program is designed to strengthen manufacturing capabilities nationwide by supporting states with long-term economic development strategies.
Connecticut’s long-term plan – for which it was ultimately chosen – focuses on five areas: building supplier networks; training the future workforce; infrastructure development; increasing trade and investment; and improving manufacturing access to capital.
