Business Express: Developing Connecticut’s Ports and Harbors to Fuel Economic Growth
The answer may be simple, but the task is daunting.
That’s why Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed legislation creating the Connecticut Port Authority (CPA) in 2014. The state’s newest quasi-public agency is responsible for marketing and coordinating Connecticut’s maritime economy, working with state agencies, as well as state, local, and private entities to maximize the economic potential of the state’s deep water ports and harbors.
“We are working toward the achievable goal of making our ports and commercial waterfronts work for all of Connecticut,” said Evan Matthews, Executive Director of the Connecticut Port Authority. “One of our first steps has been to start growing cargo numbers through strategic investment and working with shippers across the state.”
The Connecticut Port Authority focuses on the state’s three deepwater ports (New London, New Haven and Bridgeport) and on Connecticut’s many waterfront locations on Long Island Sound and along the state’s rivers. The recently unveiled Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP) has set aside $7.5 million to provide grants to strengthen the economic potential of Connecticut’s harbors and marinas.
“Investing in harbor improvement projects will help smaller municipalities preserve their beautiful waters,” said Scott Bates, Chairman of the Connecticut Port Authority Board of Directors and Deputy Secretary of the State. “A strong maritime economy is dependent upon the growth of all of our waterfront assets, not just the deep water ports.”
The Connecticut Port Authority is also moving its headquarters from Hartford to Old Saybrook this summer. The Old Saybrook location, near the mouth of the Connecticut River, provides the Port Authority with a visible presence in a key coastal community.
CPA has also launched a new, updated website, www.portsct.com. The site provides extensive information on CPA programs, public meeting schedules and a portal for Requests for Proposals.
“We are moving forward on many different fronts,” said Executive Director Matthews. “This is a great time to promote Connecticut’s deep water ports and harbors, and we expect our maritime economy to grow significantly in the years ahead.”
