BETA to Study Connecticut’s Deep Water Ports

Excerpts from a recent press release from Governor Dannell P. Malloy

The Office of Policy and Management – working with the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and local officials – announced that it has selected leading global port and harbor advisor Moffatt & Nichol to complete a comprehensive strategy study of the state’s three deep water ports, including a focused effort at growing maritime industry jobs. Hartford-based BETA Group, Inc., a local engineering, planning and environmental services firm, will also serve as a subcontractor on the project.

Moffat & Nichol’s final analysis will include: a full inventory of current port facilities; detailed profiles of transportation accessibility to the ports; a market analysis, including a list of markets or regions that can be serviced by Connecticut ports; a comprehensive strategy for economic development of the deep draft ports, including short- and long-term strategic initiatives and action plans; and, a plan for providing grants-in-aid for improvements to ports and marinas, including dredging and navigational direction.

“Connecticut’s maritime industry is a vital piece of our State’s economy, accounting for tens of thousands of good jobs,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “Unfortunately, without a comprehensive strategy in place, we can’t know where the best chances for us to promote economic development exist. This study will change that. It will guide the State – in the short and long-term – in our effort to partner with Connecticut’s ports, grow jobs, and bolster our economy.”

Earlier this year, legislation was passed requiring the state to develop a strategy for economic development of the ports in New Haven, New London and Bridgeport. Based on the most recent analysis conducted by the Connecticut Maritime Coalition, Connecticut’s maritime industries and related economic activity account for more than $5 billion in business output within the state – including more than 30,000 jobs – and approximately $2.7 billion in State GDP.