The Connecticut Port Authority has released a request for proposals from parties interested in developing, financing and operating State Pier in New London under a long-term operating agreement.
The Connecticut Port Authority, following through on its mandate to improve Connecticut’s three deepwater ports, small harbors and maritime economy, said it believes State Pier is an under-utilized state asset and has invited respondents to improve, develop, finance and operate the facility to accommodate a wide range of opportunities, including the staging of wind turbine components and the introduction of new commodities and cargo types.
“State Pier has tremendous potential as a unique regional port servicing an area stretching from the Canadian Maritimes to the mid-Atlantic region of this country,” Scott Bates, chairman of the Connecticut Port Authority, said. “The redevelopment of State Pier has the potential to create long-term stable jobs and improve Connecticut’s transportation system by maximizing the potential link between the port, freight rail and highway transportation systems throughout our region.”
Evan Matthews, executive director of the Connecticut Port Authority, added, “New London is the only major port between New York and Maine that is free of vertical obstructions and offshore barriers. Coupled with the port’s 500-foot-wide and 40-foot-deep navigational channel and its location relative to U.S. consumers in the Northeast, New London presents a significant advantage to shippers looking to access valuable U.S. markets.”
State Pier comprises almost 30 acres and includes two piers, a deepwater channel, on-dock rail and highway access at the opening of the Thames River in New London. It is located 130 miles north of New York and 115 miles south of Boston.
RFP responses are due at 4 p.m. Aug. 10. A copy of the full RFP may be accessed on the CPA website.