WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), released a statement on following reported cuts to the Sea Grant program.

“Eliminating the federal Sea Grant program is short-sighted at best and catastrophic at worst. I’ve been a vocal proponent of these grants because I know the work they fund at UConn Avery Point boosts local jobs, supports sustainable fishing, improves coastal resiliency and combats climate change," said Murphy. "If President Trump and his administration actually took a second to look into their impact, they’d see that last year alone, Sea Grant supported over 20,000 jobs and generated $575 million in economic impact—which is more than a 850% return on investment. Clearly, these grants go a long way to help our economy and protect our environment, and I’ll be fighting in the Senate Appropriations Committee against any cuts.”