Naval Submarine Base New London would receive security improvements and support for the installation of a microgrid as the latest gifts from the state of Connecticut under an agreement reached earlier this month.

Dennis McGinn, assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment, received the gift offers from Bob Ross, executive director of the state Office of Military Affairs, on Dec. 3 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the base for a $4.65 million dive locker paid for by the state, reported Navy Public Affairs.

The first proposed project would cost $1.2 million and enhance security and mitigate encroachment at the installation’s boundaries where a railroad crosses the base. The effort would include replacing or repairing about 4,500 feet of fencing, and installing virtual gates using lasers, infrared detectors and motion sensors.

The second offer, for $1.1 million, “will support our Navy’s smart energy and energy security goals by facilitating power diversification, physical security and community collaboration,” said Capt. Carl Lahti, commanding officer of the submarine base. The microgrid “will transform the existing electrical system into a more intelligent, flexible and robust system,” Lahti said.

A microgrid would provide the installation with automated data gathering and precise peak demand control, as well as the ability to seamlessly disconnect from the utility grid and efficiently dispatch energy to mission critical loads, according to the Navy.

Since 2009, Connecticut has spent $14 million to support the installation through investments in its on-base infrastructure and training facilities. Projects have included a submarine bridge trainer, a culinary training center and an energy-efficient boiler. The new diver support facility is used by divers assigned to the waterfront who conduct underwater maintenance on submarines homeported at the sub base.