The State Bond Commission voted Friday to fund a $5 million study and design to deepen New Haven Harbor’s navigation channel.
Under the plan, the channel will be deepened by five feet. The waterway basin will be widened to allow larger vessels to reach the terminals along the harbor, which is New England’s second largest port (after Boston). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to begin the dredging in October 2023.
New Haven State Sen. Martin Looney and State Rep. Al Paolillo applauded the vote.
“This is great news for the City of New Haven, the harbor, and the State of Connecticut,” Paolillo stated in a joint press release. “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.”
“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.,” added Looney.