Round 6 of the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP) will open on September 1 and close on September 30, 2026.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to begin planning now. Early preparation is key to developing a competitive application, particularly for projects that require coordination, cost estimating, or permitting.

Policies and Procedures

SHIPP Round 6 will use the same policies and procedures as SHIPP Round 5. Both municipalities and private entities may apply for funds, with priority given to municipal applications. Project proposals that are ready to proceed within three months will also receive priority consideration.

Municipal applicants may seek funding for planning, construction, repair, and/or dredging activities, with awards of up to $400,000 and a required matching or greater cost share. Municipalities may submit more than one application per funding round.

Private entities may apply for funding to offset dredging-related costs that exceed those associated with the best‑case, least‑cost placement option. Eligible expenses include sampling, testing, handling, transportation, placement, and related fees, for awards of up to $250,000. Routine dredging costs and previously incurred dredging expenses remain ineligible under the current policies.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the policies and procedures in detail as they begin planning their projects.

Questions

Applicants may reach out to the CT Port Authority with questions as they prepare their applications:

shipp@ctportauthority.com