WASHINGTON – Before Amazon is set to choose the location of their recently announced $5 billion second North American headquarters, called “Amazon HQ2”, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Representatives John Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Jim Himes (CT-4), and Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) urged Amazon to make Connecticut their home. In a letter to Amazon’s Office of Economic Development, the delegation emphasized that Connecticut’s accessibility to major marketplaces, high quality of life, talented workforce, and various educational institutions make the state the ideal place for the company to grow. Amazon’s second headquarters is expected to create tens of thousands of additional jobs. 

“We write in full support of Connecticut as the home of your second headquarters, ‘Amazon HQ2.’ As proud representatives of Connecticut’s residents, communities, and businesses, we stand ready to work with Amazon to make Connecticut the home of Amazon’s next phase of growth and innovation,” wrote the delegation. “As Amazon weighs the many offers from states across the country, we can confidently say that Connecticut’s talented workforce, location, and quality of life set us ahead of other locations the company will consider. We are excited and ready to welcome Amazon to our state.”

Earlier today, Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Catherine Smith today unveiled the State of Connecticut’s proposal for Amazon’s second headquarters, which includes sites in the Hartford and Stamford regions. 

The full text of the letter is available online and below:

Amazon
Office of Economic Development
c/o Site Manager Golden
2121 7th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121

RE:  Connecticut and Amazon HQ2

Dear Site Manager Golden,

We write in full support of Connecticut as the home of your second headquarters, “Amazon HQ2.” As proud representatives of Connecticut’s residents, communities, and businesses, we stand ready to work with Amazon to make Connecticut the home of Amazon’s next phase of growth and innovation. As Amazon weighs the many offers from states across the country, we can confidently say that Connecticut’s talented workforce, location, and quality of life set us ahead of other locations the company will consider. 

Connecticut’s residents are productive and innovative. We have a long history of ingenuity, creativity, and a passion for learning. We rank among the highest advanced degree holders in the country. The state’s colleges and universities, including Yale University, University of Connecticut, and Wesleyan University, are strategic partners in producing students who are well-trained in all disciplines, from engineering and advanced technologies to the liberal arts. These well-rounded college graduates become residents who contribute to our state’s vibrant cities and quintessential New England small towns.

Our strategic location and connectivity to the country’s major business and population hubs provide quick access to major marketplaces and financial centers. With access to three rail lines and several interstate highways connecting to New York City and New England, we are uniquely positioned to help Amazon’s employees play an active role in the East Coast’s vibrant economy. With five general aviation airports and Hartford’s Bradley International Airport providing flights to major U.S. cities as well as Ireland, Canada, Scotland, and Mexico, Connecticut is a gateway to the world. Building on Amazon’s existing logistics and distribution sites in two Connecticut towns, Amazon’s HQ2 would represent a continuation of an already beneficial relationship between our state and the company.

Our accessibility to places outside of the state is complemented by a unique sense of home, community, and quality of life that sets Connecticut apart. Amazon employees could choose to live in rejuvenated, urban downtowns or quiet tree-lined streets in historic small towns, while maintaining access to Amazon’s new headquarters. The virtue of our small state is the ability for employees to choose a community to fit their lifestyle and their needs.  Whether it is millennials who want to enjoy city living or a growing family that’s looking for a backyard and great schools, Connecticut offers something for everyone.  

We are excited about the opportunity to share Connecticut’s unique charms with Amazon. We are ready and supportive of the federal workforce development and infrastructure programs necessary to make Connecticut a place where Amazon can grow. As federal representatives, we work hand in hand with state and local leaders to advocate for the policies and funding that make Connecticut a better place to do business, live, and play. We are excited and ready to welcome Amazon to our state.           

Sincerely,

Christopher S. Murphy
Richard Blumenthal                                       
John B. Larson                                                  
Joe Courtney                                                      
Rosa DeLauro                                                     
Jim Himes 
Elizabeth H. Esty                                           

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