The state General Assembly has passed a bill aimed at developing Connecticut’s deep-water ports.
Bridgeport, New Haven and New London will be the targeted areas for potential economic development projects, according to a Minuteman News Center report.
As part of the state’s effort to spur economic growth and improve transportation, the bill would establish the Connecticut Port Authority, a quasi-public agency with a governor-appointed board of directors. The board would be responsible for seeking private investment and federal funds, coordinating and planning capital projects, marketing the ports to foreign and domestic shippers and developing entrepreneurial initiatives, according to the report.
A study commissioned by the state two years ago identified ways to stimulate business in Connecticut’s ports, including the utilization of cargo exports and imports, shipyard and ship repair services and private ferry services.
If the bill is signed into law by the governor, the Connecticut Port Authority would become fully operational by October 2015, according to the report.
This story has been updated to reflect the state Senate passing the bill.
