HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy says he's helped secure investments for the Long Island Sound in Senate appropriations bills.

The Connecticut Democrat, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said Friday the funding was included in appropriations bills recently approved by the committee.

The funding includes $16 million for the Long Island Sound Geographic Program, a $2 million increase from last year and $75 million for the National Sea Grant College Program, an increase of $7 million from last year.

The appropriations bills also include $15.5 million for aquaculture programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which partially fund the Milford Lab, and language supporting the expansion of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.

Connecticut has a pending application with NOAA to join this system.

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