Fairfield Cuts Ribbon At Rebuilt Lower Wharf

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield and state officials Wednesday cut a ribbon to formally open the rebuilt Lower Wharf and fishing pier in Southport Harbor, which had been damaged during a storm in 2022.

Construction of the Lower Wharf was completed in September after a little more than five months.

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In addition to the new fishing pier and seawall, the improvements also included the installation of irrigation, sod and new benches.

"Given the challenges associated with maintaining waterfront infrastructure, the project required careful planning and coordination to ensure that improvements were built to last," said Fairfield Capital Projects Manager Eli Ghazal.

Harbor Management Commission Vice Chair George Harris said the wharf has been an important nautical landmark for sailors for generations.

"In fact, in the early days of our town, there was a wharf here that was dedicated to commerce and shipping, and that allowed the Town of Fairfield and Southport to grow and prosper," Harris said.

Added Harbor Master Bryan LeClerc, "The channel remains the same. This area remains the same. And what's important today is this remains a site for the public, for anyone to come here."

Next spring, the town will hold a ceremony to dedicate the fishing pier to the late Capt. Pat Carroll, a former Fairfield Police captain and Harbor Master for more than 20 years.