Senator Cathy Cook, R-Mystic, has been named by Senate Republican Leader Louis C. DeLuca to serve on a commission recently created by Governor M. Jodi Rell for the diversification of the southeastern Connecticut economy and the protection of the U.S. Submarine Base.

“As a member of Team Connecticut, one of many, who contributed to the efforts to save our submarine base during the recently concluded BRAC process, I am honored, and grateful, that Senator DeLuca is giving me this opportunity to work with people dedicated to taking the next step. As Governor Rell has noted, we need to begin working together now to ensure the future of our submarine base and the future of southeastern Connecticut’s economy. I look forward to that opportunity,” said Senator Cook.

“Having worked closely with Governor Rell on saving the submarine base, we had many conversations regarding what to do next. I believe that creating this commission is an important next step, and I look forward to working with Governor Rell on the commission to ensure the future of the submarine base and a more diversified southeastern Connecticut economy,” said Senator Cook.

The charge of the commission will be to develop a plan and make recommendations for concrete action steps that can be taken on the federal, state and local levels for the economic diversification of the southeastern Connecticut region, and to prevent the submarine base from being considered for closure in the future. The commission will be chaired by former U.S. Navy deputy regional commander and Bradley International Airport federal security chief Dana R. Cosgrove, and the vice chair will be Gary P. Bennett.

The first meting of the commission will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 16 th at the Groton Town Hall Annex.