After the Trump administration proposed eliminating the National Sea Grant College Program U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn, is leading a bipartisan group of senators calling for the program to be funded at least at current levels.

"As senators from some of the states with Sea Grant programs, we see firsthand how this federal investment is leveraged locally to bring immense returns to coastal communities, fishermen, universities, and students," Murphy and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn, wrote in a letter to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.

"Any cuts to this funding would have a devastating impact and we strongly urge you to reject any proposals to reduce this program," they said.

The National Sea Grant College Program — a critical source of funding for Connecticut’s Sea Grant College Program at UConn Avery Point — supports local businesses, shoreline communities and Connecticut students.

Last year, Murphy led a bipartisan effort to defend the program and successfully secured $65 million for it.