Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, D-Conn., has announced that Connecticut will make a $15 million investment as a first step toward revitalizing the Connecticut State Pier in New London for potential use in the deployment of equipment and workers for offshore wind projects currently planned in the Northeast.
The funding, which is subject to approval from the State Bond Commission on June 1, will include the demolition of selected structures, site improvements, storm water treatment and drainage improvements, upgrades to increase laydown capabilities, construction of a heavy-lift pad, improvements to load-bearing capacity, and replacement of mooring dolphins.
The governor made the announcement this morning at a news conference near the pier, where he was joined by Connecticut Port Authority Chairman Scott Bates and New London Mayor Michael Passero.
“In the next 12 years, we expect to see 7 to 8 gigawatts of new offshore wind power come online in the Northeast alone,” Malloy said. “With that new energy comes real economic opportunities for our region. As a result of these improvements, New London will be the perfect location to support the expansion of offshore wind. I have no doubt that the funding we invest today will have lasting economic benefits to the entire region in the years and decades to come.”
The governor also noted that with improvements to the pier, New London offers the offshore wind industry a number of competitive advantages over other northeastern ports, including as follows:
- A strategic location in proximity to lease areas off the coast of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey;
- A well-protected harbor with deep water access and a short transit to open sea;
- No height or width restrictions between the Port of New London and the open sea; and
- An existing, sophisticated marine industry buoyed by companies such as Electric Boat and a highly skilled workforce ready and able to get to work.
“This strategic investment is a step toward unlocking New London’s unique potential as a hub for the offshore wind industry,” Passero said. “Today’s announcement is exciting economic news for our city, as the redevelopment of the State Pier will spur growth in marine businesses and help revitalize the downtown. I want to thank Governor Malloy, the port authority and all of our partners in state government for their support of this important project.”
