Sen. Paul Formica, Scott Bates, chair of CPA, Gov. Dan Malloy, Representative Chris Soto, Mayor Michael Passero
Connecticut Port Authority to lead State Pier revitalization in New London
Governor Malloy Announces $15 Million Investment
(New London) – Governor Dannel Malloy has announced the State Bond Commission is expected to approve $15 million for an infrastructure improvement project that will revitalize State Pier in New London to maximize the port’s potential as a regional economic engine. The commission is scheduled to meet Friday.
The Connecticut Port Authority (CPA) will oversee the project, and work has already begun on preliminary planning.
Scott Bates, the chairman of the CPA, praised Governor Malloy for his decision to continue his administration’s large scale investment in the Connecticut maritime economy:
“Governor Malloy has worked hard to rebuild Connecticut’s infrastructure as a way to create jobs and long term economic growth. This investment in State Pier will pay dividends for years to come in this region and across Connecticut. At the Connecticut Port Authority, we are ready to tackle this new project as we continue our work strengthening the maritime economy across the state.”
State Pier in New London is the only major port, from the mid-Atlantic to Maine, without the bridge obstructions or hurricane barriers that can restrict ships from entering other harbors.
This is a major advantage when it comes to using State Pier to support development initiatives along the east coast of the United States. The same natural assets that made New London the Whaling City, and a major area of regional commerce in the early days of the United States, are still assets today.
The governor’s announcement of further investment in State Pier follows an announcement earlier this month of a new partnership with Electric Boat that is expected to help create nearly 2,000 jobs in the region.
Local Waters. Global Solutions.
Connecticut is home to three deepwater ports (Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London) and a multitude of small harbors, rail lines, and interstate highways crisscrossing the state. Connecticut is uniquely located at the intersection of maritime access and distribution networks, and a thriving maritime industry in Connecticut means stronger economic growth across each of these assets.
The Connecticut Port Authority is overseeing new investments in infrastructure, dredging and intermodal terminal capabilities that are expanding the foundation of Connecticut’s maritime industry and building a thriving network of efficient, customizable transportation solutions.
The Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program
The Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP) will provide grants for the
preparation of plans and studies, as well as construction projects that improve state,
municipal, or other properties in or next to Connecticut waters.
STATE TO INVEST $5 MILLION FOR STATE PIER DREDGING
Part of On-going Effort to Improve Key Maritime Asset
(New London) – The State Bond Commission is expected to approve a $5 million grant this week to pay for dredging at State Pier New London. The project will be administered by the Connecticut Port Authority which is responsible for the care and custody of the property. Approval is expected at the commission’s regular meeting September 20. -------------
This latest investment solidifies CPA’s commitment to improve State Pier and maximize its job-creating potential as a major contributor to the local and state economy. Earlier this year, the Bond Commission approved $15 million to pay for general improvements to State Pier. CPA is currently in the evaluation phase of a Request for Proposal process that is expected to result in the selection of a long-term operating agreement for State Pier.
This $5 million investment will partially support the State Pier Capital Dredging Program. The CPA will conduct multi-phased dredging and maintenance dredging of the facility footprint. CPA will maintain draft depths at the facility for vessel calls and environmental safety.
“State Pier is CPA’s largest asset with the potential to be a catalyst for the New London region and the state’s maritime industry as a whole,” said Scott Bates, chairman of CPA. “This new investment in State Pier sends an important signal to the marketplace that Connecticut is serious about using its maritime resources to create jobs and economic opportunity. CPA thanks Governor Dannel Malloy for his leadership on this issue and his leadership in the area of intermodal transportation.”
The improvement of State Pier was identified as the top priority in the five-year Connecticut Maritime Strategy recently delivered by the CPA to the legislature and governor. State Pier has the potential to generate enough revenue to make CPA financially self-sustaining and able to operate independently of the state budget process. ... See MoreSee Less
A view of Bridgeport Harbor from the Stratford Avenue Bridge.
The “Mayflower” steamer ship, which can be seen in the background, used to make daily trips from Bridgeport to Battery Park, Manhattan and Hoboken, New Jersey.
The Maritime Administration Readies for Olivia & Florence!
The Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Office of Emergency Preparedness develops and maintains plans for civil maritime transportation support to military mobilizations and response to national emergencies.
During last years hurricane season, MARAD dispatched four vessels to locations in Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean to include Puerto Rico and provided a total of 23,526 berthing nights (per person per night) and serving 53,306 meals.
#StrategicSealift #ReadyReserveForce #Mariners #MilitarySealiftCommand #RRF #MARAD #DOTMARAD #MerchantMarine #WeAreAmericasMerchantMarine ... See MoreSee Less
