HARTFORD — Supporters of the planned national museum honoring the U.S. Coast Guard in Connecticut are hoping newly passed federal legislation will provide a financial boost to the project.
The Senate this month approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act. It includes language expanding the amount of support the Coast Guard can provide to help develop and install museum exhibits and displays at the New London museum.
The bill already cleared the House of Representatives and now awaits the president’s signature.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Joe Courtney, both Connecticut Democrats, have been working to change federal law, which greatly limits how much the Coast Guard can financially support the $100 million project.
Organizers believe this new sign of federal support for the project will encourage more private donation. They’ve discussed a 2020 opening.
