NORWICH DELEGATION WELCOMES $8.134 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING TO HELP RENOVATE DODD STADIUM FOR MULTI-SPORT USE

NORWICH – Norwich’s Democratic legislative delegation members today welcomed the approval of $8.134 million in state funding to begin upgrading Dodd Stadium for multi-sport and community use – renovations that could increase attendance, double the number of annual events held there, and reduce city maintenance costs for the facility.

Connecticut’s Community Investment Fund 2030 Board approved the project at its meeting today in Hartford; under state law, the State Bond Commission must approve the project and release the funds within 60 days.

“Dodd Stadium is a regional draw, and it’s been home to a lot of different sports teams over the years. But we really need to upgrade the stadium and make it more usable for more months of the year if we’re going to maximize its potential,” said state Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague). “Today’s CIF funding is part of a larger, overall plan to renovate Dodd Stadium and have it play an important role in eastern Connecticut for the next 31 years.”

“Dodd Stadium is an important public asset for Norwich and for the entire region, and I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues in the House to build support for this investment,” said state Representative Derell Wilson (D-Norwich). “This funding is an important first step toward giving Dodd Stadium the infrastructure it needs to serve our community for years to come. The Norwich legislative delegation has worked together to support this project, and I look forward to continuing that work as we build a stronger future for Dodd Stadium and Eastern Connecticut.”

“The funding received for Dodd Stadium will provide critical improvements for this beloved stadium and will elevate the experience for diehard fans and newcomers alike,” said state Representative Larry Pemberton (D-Montville). “Thank you to my colleagues for their support in advancing this funding.”

The Senator Thomas J. Dodd Stadium Revitalization Project is designed to, over time, blend infrastructure upgrades with user-experience enhancements to reposition the stadium for multi-sport and community use. The renovations to the 31-year-old stadium are intended to preserve the ballpark’s character while modernizing electrical, plumbing, ADA systems, circulation, and amenities to meet contemporary expectations for comfort, technology, and revenue generation.

Planned improvements include a new professional-grade synthetic turf field with improved drainage, enhanced audio/visual and broadcast systems, and reimagined public spaces that expand year-round programming and elevate the fan and athlete experience.

Upgraded seating, entries, concourses, concessions, suites, clubs, and new social zones enhance hospitality, while modernized locker rooms, training areas, and back-of-house systems would strengthen operations and ensure professional-level functionality.

It’s estimated that the planned turf and lighting renovations would increase total event days at the stadium from the current baseline of 80–100 to as many as 150 event days per year. Improved financial performance through increased rentals and reduced maintenance would reduce the City of Norwich’s annual subsidy to the stadium by $150,000–$250,000, and modern amenities and improved accessibility could drive attendance up by 10-15%.

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT FROM 10 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING PIPELINE

6400 new jobs, $500 Million in Economic Impact

Eastern Connecticut – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), who has been a champion of the Eastern Connecticut manufacturing jobs pipeline since it was created 10 years ago, today welcomed a new report which shows that the state-funded program has created 6,464 new jobs and had a $549 million economic impact in Eastern Connecticut.

An independent analysis, prepared by economist Don Klepper-Smith, Chief Economist and Director of Research at DataCore Partners LLC, was presented at this morning’s EWIB Board meeting in Franklin; the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board is a not-for-profit organization that oversees public investments in employment and training strategies throughout a 41-town area.

“The most important thing to remember is that behind every number in this report is a Connecticut resident who may have been unemployed and was given an opportunity to train for a good-paying job, build a career, and support their family,” said Sen. Osten, who is Senate Chair of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee. “That’s why I’ve fought so hard over the years to continue Connecticut’s investment in the EWIB manufacturing pipeline. I’ve seen the difference it’s made in Eastern Connecticut, both to individuals and to employers.”

“The numbers demonstrate the significant economic and fiscal impact associated with the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative,” said Klepper-Smith. “In my opinion, the program illustrates EWIB’s skills in choreographing the collective talents of multiple regional organizations to work together for the benefit of fueling economic drivers like Electric Boat and their supply chain and in the process, create new well-paying career paths and quality of life for nearly 6500 families.”

The Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI) began in 2016 in response to growing demand for skilled manufacturing workers. The program provides eligible unemployed and underemployed individuals with free, short-term training designed to prepare them for entry-level careers in manufacturing. Over the past decade, MPI has connected thousands of individuals to manufacturing careers while helping employers meet critical workforce needs.

The State of Connecticut made its first investment in MPI in 2018 and has continued investing as regional hiring needs have grown. Sustained state support has helped expand the initiative, provide continuity, and maintain workforce capacity capable of responding to long-term manufacturing demand.

Since its launch, MPI was designed to address employer-identified workforce needs, including significant projected hiring growth at General Dynamics Electric Boat. Over the past decade, the employer-driven initiative has been sustained and expanded through collaboration among manufacturers, EWIB, education and training providers, community partners, and federal and state leaders.