U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, announced a $62,100 grant Tuesday from the federal Economic Development Agency to the Naval & Maritime Consortium, formerly known as the Connecticut Undersea Supply Chain Consortium, headquartered in Groton.

The consortium, a partnership between the University of Connecticut and Thames River Innovation Place, is a network of companies that collectively addresses challenges, shares solutions, collaborates on opportunities, and capitalizes on the growing undersea supply chain.

"Our region and our state are preparing for tremendous growth in submarine construction work in the coming years — and we need a robust supply chain to help meet the challenge," Courtney said in a statement.

The grant will be used to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region, a news release from Courtney's office says.

Courtney currently serves as the ranking member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, which oversees Navy shipbuilding and submarine construction and development programs.

"We are growing quickly as we prepare for new industry expansions, and we look forward to using these funds to support and grow a stronger maritime supply chain," Alexandra Halvordson, head of the consortium said in a statement.