HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Connecticut officials trying to reverse the recommended shutdown of the submarine base in Groton may have a backup plan if their efforts fail, Rep. Rob Simmons said Sunday.

The closure of the base would take place between 2006 and 2011, and would shift much of the facilities, vessels and people from Connecticut to Kings Bay, Ga., and Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

“There’s plenty of time for a plan B,” Simmons, R-Conn., said in an interview on WFSB-TV’s “Face the State.”

Asked if there is a back up, he said, “I won’t say there is no plan B, but we’re not talking about it.”

The three-term lawmaker would not say what the plan is.

“At this stage of the game, every bit of our time and energy needs to be focused on getting us off the list,” he said.