Politics & Government

Ritter, Stillman Applaud $5.8 Million Grant for State Pier

The multi-million-dollar grant blessed by the State Bond Commission will be used for New London State Pier improvements

State Rep. Betsy Ritter, D-Montville, and State Senator Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, welcomed state funding that will allow for design and construction improvements at the State Pier in New London.

A $5.8 million grant for the project was approved last week at the State Bond Commission meeting at the Legislative Office Building.

“This is a critical investment and a huge step for the state if we are to see our State Pier support the deep water port of New London,” Ritter said. 

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In a press release, Ritter said the 2012 Deep Water Port study "emphasized the potential return on state investment in this port and I am delighted to see it becoming reality."

"The jobs the construction work itself will bring are jobs that can lead to a permanent expansion of our state's economy through full utilization of our port," she said.  

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Stillman praised the funding as well as a $250,000 allocation for housing upgrades in New London.

“Since New London’s State Pier property is the state’s only publicly owned terminal facility this investment rightly sets the pace for what so many of us agree is a necessary upgrade of all three deep-water ports in our state,” Stillman said. “These capital improvements will lead to an expansion of business activity, job creation, and reduced congestion on state highways, with improved air quality as a direct result.”

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