The chairman of the Connecticut Port Authority announced that his maritime agency is in discussions to merge with the Connecticut Airport Authority.
According to a CTMirror report, David Kooris shared the news during an emergency meeting of the Port Authority board that was scheduled to focus on personnel decisions and the hiring of a financial auditor. The Port Authority has been the subject of scrutiny and criticism over the last few years regarding its contracting and spending procedures – especially in regard to the State Pier in New London – and the agency was subpoenaed last year by a federal grand jury for records outlining its operations.
“Over the last several years, there’s obviously been a lot of conversation about the structure of the Port Authority, the future of the Port Authority,” Kooris said during the meeting. “One of those options that have been discussed over the years, as you will recall, is some sort of partnership with the airport authority, which has some commonality and much larger infrastructure in which we might be able to rely. Conversations will certainly have to take place. A lot of details would need to be worked out, if we conclude that is the best option.”
A merger between the agencies would require the approval of the Connecticut General Assembly.
