Connecticut’s Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that the state will make a $15 million investment to improve the Connecticut State Pier in New London for potential use in seven offshore wind projects currently planned in the northeast.
The funding, subject to approval from the State Bond Commission on June 1, will include 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.
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Dannel P. Malloy stated:
In the next 12 years, we expect to see 7 to 8 gigawatts of new, offshore wind power come online in the northeast alone. 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 said that when the project on the pier is finished, New London will be able to offer the offshore wind industry a number of competitive advantages over other northeastern ports, including:
- 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;
- An existing, sophisticated marine industry buoyed by national leaders like Electric Boat and a highly-skilled workforce ready and able to get to work on behalf of a thriving wind industry.
This project aims to revitalize the shipping industry and other marine businesses, as well as bring development to downtown New London. The Connecticut Port Authority will oversee the operations of the State Pier.
