The state Bond Commission has approved $2.7 million for the replacement of the seawall along Shore Avenue in the City of Groton, officials announced Thursday.

City Mayor Keith Hedrick said the current seawall is deteriorating. It was not tied into the bedrock, and waves are washing away the soil around it.

He said the project will rebuild the seawall and tie it into the bedrock so it is sturdy and not undermined by tidal action.

Hedrick said the rest of the project cost is slated to be covered by the town. The seawall replacement was projected to cost $2.8 million a couple of years ago, but the exact cost will be determined after the project goes out to bid.

“Hard work and teamwork pays off, and the approval of this funding is an excellent example. I was honored to work closely with Hedrick to help get this funding placed on the state bond commission’s agenda,” Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, said in a statement. She also thanked Gov. Ned Lamont’s office for acting on the request.

Hedrick thanked Somers "for her leadership, tenacity, and commitment to teamwork" and said she "worked diligently and professionally to move this project through the Bonding Commission."

“Senator Somers and I discussed the importance of this repair project. Seeing the importance, she got right to work. We have spoken with one environmentally-focused voice on behalf of the Groton community,” Hedrick said in a statement.

According to a news release from the mayor's office, the project will "save lives, and preserve City infrastructure for years to come."

“We can now move on to other important projects that will benefit the City of Groton,” said Hedrick, who also thanked Lamont's office and state Reps. Christine Conley, D-Groton, and Joe de la Cruz, D-Groton, for their support.

In an email to constituents, Conley called the funding "a critical investment to make our coastal town more resilient in the face of climate change."