CLINTON, CT — Sediment buildup at Clinton Town Marina is leaving some boats stuck in the mud at low tide, according to Harbormaster and Dockmaster Rob Derry, who reported continuing efforts to secure dredging and advance improvements to the town's waterfront facilities.
In his Oct. 7 monthly report to the Clinton Harbor Management Commission, Derry also reported that the town marina had collected $142,162.67 in revenue during 2026 as of Oct. 6.
Derry said dredging the marina basin remains a priority because several boats have become stuck in their slips during low tides.
Coastline Consulting LLC recently contacted Derry and commission Chairman Dave Adams about additional sediment sampling required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The area requiring attention is near a drainpipe along the bulkhead adjacent to D Dock.
Derry also reported continuing discussions with the Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney's office about dredging the Clinton Harbor federal navigation channel.
According to Derry's report, the town marina collected $142,162.67 through Oct. 6, including revenue from seasonal slip and stake rentals, boat ramp passes and transient boating fees.
The marina reported $112,910.17 in seasonal slip and stake fees, covering 57 slips and 18 stakes.
Seasonal boat ramp passes generated another $13,050, with 146 passes sold. Of those, 116 were sold for $75 each and 30 for $145 each.
Daily boat ramp passes generated $11,450 from 458 passes sold at $25 apiece.
The report listed the following monthly daily-pass sales:
| Month | Passes Sold |
|---|---|
| April | 29 |
| May | 111 |
| June | 130 |
| July | 94 |
| August | 68 |
| September | 23 |
| October, through Oct. 6 | 3 |
Transient boating fees accounted for an additional $4,752.50.
Derry also reported that a new $5,000 budget line for marina and harbor equipment had been established for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The funding was transferred from the Clinton Public Works Department budget to the Harbor Management Commission budget.
Derry reported progress on proposed improvements to the town marina, including a viewing deck and kayak pier.
He said Town Planner Abby Piersall was moving forward with the permitting and application process for the projects.
Derry expressed hope that construction could begin by the next boating season, although the report did not establish a construction schedule or completion date.
He also reported that work on the town's updated Harbor Management Plan remained under review by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Derry reported that a recent nor'easter produced unusually high tides and shoreline flooding in Clinton Harbor.
He said flooding was the only significant problem reported in the harbor during the storm.
Other than the flooding, no significant incidents or damage were reported within Clinton Harbor, according to Derry.
He said he maintained contact with marina operators and shoreline homeowners associations before and during the storm to provide updates and coordinate preparations.
Derry reported that the Dockmaster's Office had switched to its fall schedule following Labor Day.
The office is staffed seven days a week through Oct. 31, operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Daily staffing will end Nov. 1.
J&M Dockside also transitioned to fall hours and was expected to remain open until mid- to late October, depending on weather conditions.
Derry said preparations were underway for 2027 marina slip and stake renewals. A list of available spaces is expected to be ready for lottery selections at the Harbor Management Commission's November meeting.
He also reported continuing email updates to slip holders and stake holders about marina operations and upcoming projects.
The Harbor Management Commission reviewed Derry's report during a special meeting Oct. 7 at the Clinton Police Department.
Adams summarized the report for commissioners, highlighting the additional sediment sampling, planned viewing deck and kayak pier, and efforts to dredge the federal channel.
The commission unanimously approved the minutes of its Sept. 10 meeting. Doug Elliot made the motion, and Dennis Parker seconded it.
No votes were recorded on the dredging or marina improvement projects.
The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. following a unanimous vote.
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