Old Saybrook, CT – Today, the Connecticut Port Authority announced that it has awarded $3,644,107 in Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP) Round 5 grants to support municipalities and private entities advancing critical waterfront infrastructure projects across Connecticut.
These investments will strengthen working waterfronts, enhance resilience, expand public and commercial access, and support maritime dependent economic activity statewide. These awards reflect various projects, including dredging, dock and seawall repairs, navigation improvements, planning and permitting, and environmental testing.
“The Connecticut Port Authority is committed to building a thriving maritime economy that supports long-term economic growth across the state,” said Connecticut Port Authority Executive Director Michael O’Connor. “Through SHIPP, we are investing in both public and private partners who collectively sustain waterfront infrastructure, expand commercial and recreational access, and ensure that Connecticut’s harbors remain vibrant, resilient, and accessible for generations to come. In addition to these awards for SHIPP Round 5, we are also glad to address recent legislative changes by reimbursing the Town of Guilford in the amount of $860,000 for the Guilford Marina dredging, which was undertaken to address significant siltation and restore safe navigational access.”
The SHIPP program provides matching grants for municipalities and private entities along our waterfronts to support infrastructure improvements that benefit public access, commercial activity, environmental stewardship, and long-term coastal resilience.
| Entity Awarded | Amount | Project Description |
| Town of Chester | $5,000 | Revision and renewal of 1994 Harbor Management Plan |
| Town of East Lyme (Black Point Beach Club Association) | $400,000 | Eastern Waterfront Pier & Groin Repairs |
| Town of East Lyme (Black Point Beach Club Association) | $105,250 | Pattagansett Estuary Pier Project |
| Town of Glastonbury | $330,000 | Boat ramp improvements |
| City of New London | $42,500 | Permitting and design for Shaw’s Cove dredging |
| City of Norwich Harbor Management Commission | $278,800 | Boat launch relocation project |
| Town of Old Lyme | $11,000 | Transient moorings, slow/no wake and navigation markers |
| Town of Old Lyme | $61,300 | Horseneck Creek public access and dock project (Black Hall River) |
| Town of Old Saybrook | $26,642 | Permitting for dredging and floating dock expansion (Ferry Road Town Dock) |
| Town of Old Saybrook | $392,500 | Saybrook Point seawall repair |
| Safe Harbor Ferry Point | $250,000 | Dredging project |
| Safe Harbor Stratford | $250,000 | Dredging project |
| Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club, Inc. | $198,615 | Boat basin sampling and biological testing for dredging |
| City of Stamford | $62,500 | Harbor boat launch feasibility study (Phase 2) |
| City of Stamford | $62,500 | Cummings Marina dredging biological testing |
| Town of Stonington | $125,000 | Transient access/dinghy mooring dock |
| Town of Stonington | $182,500 | South pier extension – design & permitting |
| Town of Waterford | $125,000 | Town dock replacement |
About Connecticut Port Authority
The Connecticut Port Authority, established in 2014 as a quasi-public agency, is dedicated to advancing the state’s maritime economy by providing guidance, resources, and advocacy to support businesses, municipalities and organizations operating along Connecticut’s coastline. Its mission is to grow the state’s economy and create jobs through strategic investments in Connecticut’s three deepwater ports and numerous small harbors. For more information, please visit CTPortAuthority.com and follow them on LinkedIn at Connecticut Port Authority and Facebook at Facebook.com/CTPortAuthority.