Fairfield Receives $1M To Repair Damaged Southport Harbor Lower Wharf

The following news releases are from Connecticut House Democrats and Senate Republicans on behalf of Rep. Jennifer Leeper and Sen. Tony Hwang:

FAIRFIELD, CT — State Representative Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield, Southport) today celebrated the State Bonding Commission’s approval of over $1,073,778 to repair the Lower Wharf in Southport.

The funds – approved by the State Bonding Commission – will go toward the repair and replacement of stone retaining walls and replacement of a public fishing pier destroyed by a coastal storm in December 2022. Project specifics include reconstruction of damage seawalls, concrete cap/retaining walls that support the property, along with the replacement of a public fishing pier.

“Between the plentiful recreational activities, access to the Southport Harbor and Long Island Sound, amazing community events, and much more, the Lower Wharf is an incredibly meaningful part of the Southport community, and I’m thrilled our town has received the funding to restore the wharf to its full splendor,” Rep. Leeper said. “Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on this project, in particular Kim Taylor and Donald Hyman, past and current Chairs of the Fairfield Harbor Management Commission, as well as the entire Commission, the RTM for their matching investment, and Sen. Hwang. And thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bonding Commission for their support of Southport and the Lower Wharf.”

"To me, during these difficult times in Washington, D.C., this is reassuring evidence that local and state government can actually work quite well,” Donald Hyman, Chair, Fairfield Harbor Management Commission, said. “This funding approval reflects the efforts of many people in Fairfield town government who worked hard to put together the detailed documents necessary for state officials to carefully review and assess our situation. Until today we had plans and permits-- but virtually no money. Happily, from the start we had vital bipartisan, bicameral support from both state Rep. Jennifer Leeper and state Senator Tony Hwang, each of them providing stewardship and political leadership in Hartford. We started talks with both of them on this idea six months ago. Today is a very satisfying day for all of us.

"I suspect most people in Fairfield have a story that speaks to the joy of having a safe, accessible Lower Wharf to visit,” Hyman continued. “People enjoy the spectacular views looking in any direction. These vistas lift your spirit. Maybe you caught your first fish there. Maybe you had family photos taken there. Maybe you watched the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony like the one set for Saturday, June 8 or watched the fleet return after a race on the Long Island Sound. The place has magical beauty. The money from the state will help the town to safely rebuild the protective embankment and replace the storm destroyed aged pier so it is available for another century or hopefully longer for all people to enjoy our beautiful Southport Harbor."

“Grant funds approved this week by the State Bond Commission allow the Town to begin critical repairs to Fairfield’s Lower Wharf bulkhead and pier at the mouth of Southport Harbor. Storms and wind take a yearly toll on these structures, which the Fairfield Harbor Management Commission brought to the attention of our state delegation,” said First Selectman Bill Gerber. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support of the Lower Wharf renovation. Our thanks also to State Representative Jennifer Leeper and State Senator Tony Hwang for filing the application with the State Bond Commission and guiding the grant approval process to ensure that we can properly restore this Town treasure.”

“For those coming by ship since the 1600s Southport Harbor was historically the front door to the town. Whether you fish from it or just enjoy the views in any direction, a sturdy, safe new pier and bulkhead will enhance access for all to enjoy the beauty of this special place on our coast for many decades to come,” he added.

Rep. Leeper represents the 132nd District, which includes Southport and Fairfield.

FAIRFIELD, CT — Today, the Connecticut State Bond Commission led by Governor Ned Lamont met at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to authorize bond funding for multiple projects across the state. Senator Hwang, as ranking leader of the Bonding Subcommittee, worked with the Lamont administration and Fairfield’s Harbor Management Commission to submit a bonding application to receive $1,073,778 to repair and replace damaged seawalls, retaining walls, and the fishing pier at the Lower Wharf in Southport Harbor.

The Lower Wharf is located in a National Register Historic District and provides public access to walking, recreation, wildlife viewing, fishing, and more. This funding will be utilized to restore the Lower Wharf's fishing pier to safe, working order. The fishing pier has been closed since the gangplank allowing access from land to the pier was ripped from the structure by a coastal storm. The project is anticipated to take between four and six months to complete.

After consulting and working with municipal officials who highlighted the need for state funding to make repairs to the property, Senator Hwang submitted a detailed bonding request to administrative officials and legislative leaders to include this funding in this month's bonding package. Senator Hwang acknowledged the joint supportive efforts of State Representative Jennifer Leeper (D-132nd) in her prior application efforts.

"The Lower Wharf is a historical staple for public use and enjoyment of the Southport community and the Fairfield area at large. For more than 250 years, sailors leaving the Southport Harbor have passed this landmark on their voyages. The property is used for special community gatherings and celebrations such as the annual Blessing of the Fleet and the Southport Street Parade. This funding in conjunction with town financial assistance will restore access to this treasured gem of our community. I am proud of the collaborative effort and thank Governor Lamont for recognizing the Lower Wharf's historic significance in allocating this essential funding. Everyone wins!." Senator Hwang remarked.

Fairfield Harbor Management Commission Chairperson Donald Hyman added. "To me, during these difficult times in Washington, D.C., this is reassuring evidence that local and state governments can actually work quite well. This funding approval reflects the efforts of many people in Fairfield town government who worked hard to put together the detailed documents necessary for state officials to carefully review and assess our situation. Until today we had plans and permits-- but virtually no money. Happily, from the start we had vital bipartisan, bicameral support from both state Rep. Jennifer Leeper and state Senator Tony Hwang, each of them providing stewardship and political leadership in Hartford. We started talks with both of them on this idea six months ago. Today is a very satisfying day for all of us."

“The Town of Fairfield and the general public want to thank State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) and the State Delegation (Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-133) and Rep. Jennifer Leeper (D-132)) for providing funding for the Lower Wharf Improvements project. Damaged by a coastal storm, the Fishing Pier and Coastal Public Green Space will be restored to its original condition. This project will benefit the community by restoring the historic waterfront property, providing general public access to Southport Harbor for persons of all ages and abilities,” said Fairfield Engineering Department Engineering Manager William Hurley P.E.

"The town showed much foresight when it acquired this historic waterfront property in 1999 for the public's use and enjoyment, and now in 2024, it continues to be quite remarkable to experience how the town departments, the state delegation, and the Selectman's office have been working so well together to secure funds for the needed repairs and reconstruction. I feel fortunate to be able to help in even a small way," Harbor Management Commission Planning Consultant Geoff Steadman stated.