State Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven/Hamden/North Haven) and State Representative Al Paolillo (D-New Haven) is pleased that the State Bond Commission today approved $5 million to complete a study and design to deepen the navigation channel in New Haven Harbor.
“This is great news for the City of New Haven, the harbor, and the State of Connecticut,” said Rep. Paolillo. “New Haven Harbor is an asset and economic engine for the entire region that supports the freight and maritime industries, economic development and jobs creation. I want to thank the Governor, Bond Commission members and all those who recognize the importance of dredging the harbor to maintain its regional impact.”
Plans for the funding include deepening the main federal shipping channel by five feet and widening the waterway basin to allow for larger, deep-draft vessels to maneuver the port for access to the harbor’s terminals.
When the project’s design is complete, the Army Corps of Engineers expects to begin dredging in October 2023.
“Too often the economic significance of our harbors is not sufficiently prioritized,” said Sen. Looney. “This state bonding will go a long way to ensure that New Haven Harbor remains a hub for economic activity on the eastern seaboard for years to come. Many thanks to Governor Lamont for approving this funding leading to the deepening of New Haven Harbor’s navigational channel, ultimately allowing larger ships to comfortably use the harbor.”
New Haven Harbor is a key location for petroleum products for Connecticut and New England. It is the second largest port in New England, behind Boston Harbor. Upgrades to New Haven Harbor will increase the navigation efficiency and safety of the harbor.
The completed project will be a boost to terminal operators, local businesses, as well as a larger workforce to meet the increase in commerce. It will reduce the number of trucks on our highways while creating an oyster-friendly habitat near the east breakwater, a rock reef habitat north of the west breakwater and a 58-acre salt marsh at Sandy Point in West Haven.