Dredging to begin at State Pier in New London, Connecticut

The Connecticut Port Authority Board of Directors yesterday approved a notice to proceed to its construction manager to begin permitted dredging activities at its State Pier Improvements Project in New London.

On December 16 2021, the US Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, issued to the authority a Department of the Army Permit for activities in waters of the United States in conjunction with the project.

This permit process, combined with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) permit received in August 2021, was initiated by the port authority in May 2019.

With all in-water work permits now in hand, the authority is able to complete all planned construction activities at the State Pier.

This final permit specifically allows for in-water work including dredging deeper berths at State Pier and the Northeast Quay, reconstruction of a portion of the State Pier into a heavy-lift pad to support cargo, and the formation of an additional 7+ acres of upland area to substantially expand the amount and types of cargo that can be handled through the facility.

“Paired with the state permit approved by DEEP in August, the project has achieved all regulatory approvals for in water work. This major milestone caps two comprehensive state and federal permitting processes that began more than two years ago,” said Authority executive director John Henshaw.

“With the in-water work fully permitted, the construction that has begun earlier this year can now continue with full scope in 2022,” said Authority board chair David Kooris.

By implementing the full scope of the planned project, enabled by this permit, the authority is creating the physical foundation for the offshore wind industry in Southeastern Connecticut and for a greater volume of diverse cargo movement through this public facility for generations to come.