Public needs to pay attention to State Pier issue

Recently there has been considerable publicity in The New London Day concerning problems with board members of the Connecticut Port Authority (CPA) and their attempts to operate with a lack of transparency involving the future use of the Connecticut State Pier in New London for a business venture involving wind turbines. The money involved has been cited as $93 million.

This publicity appears to be a major factor in the resignation of the CPA board chairperson, the recent "stepping down" of the previous chairperson, the placement of a director on paid leave and an audit which includes an investigation of a whistle-blower complaint of board fund mismanagement. The governor has now become involved.

Until now, State Pier and nearby facilities have been used for bulk shipping involving large freighters and container ships. The pier was designed for such business and the danger of losing such a facility will affect future commerce in this port. The CPA apparently attempted to restrict public comment because the board desired to turn over the pier and nearby area as a large wind turbine assembly and staging facility — with no other businesses to have access to State Pier for at least 10 years or more.

This restriction would have a disastrous effect on other businesses as an inappropriate use of Connecticut state property to benefit a utility industry. One critic of this process is businessman/farmer Kevin Blacker of Noank, who has been strongly in favor of expanding and revitalizing industry in this area, using our existing rail lines and waterways to encourage new product business ventures.

At times like this, public comment is critical. While the use of wind power should be encouraged to reduce our dependency on fossil fuel, such use should be handled in a fair manner so as not to disrupt local economies. I do encourage readers in New London County to contact your state representatives on this important topic.

(note: this article appeared in more detail in the 7/29/19 and updated issues of the New London DAY paper. Refer to theDAY.com)