Bond Commission To Vote On $5 Million For Dredging In New London

NEW LONDON, CT — The State Bond Commission is expected to vote on a measure that would award New London a $5 million grant-in-aid for dredging during the commission’s upcoming meeting on Thursday, Sept. 20. If awarded, the grant-in-aid will be used to finance maintenance of dredging along selected areas at the State Pier in New London.

“The Port of New London continues to demonstrate its value as an economically strategic investment," State Representative Chris Soto (Democrat-New London) said in a release. "Glad to see our state’s commitment to the Port as developments continue around offshore wind, defense and commerce."

According to a news release, dredging has numerous benefits; not only does it keep our water clean, a dredged body of water is less likely to suffer shoreline erosion. Dredging can also remove sediments that contain pollutants which greatly improves the quality of the water.

“There are so many benefits that we will see as a result of this grant-in-aid,” State Representative Joe de la Cruz (Democrat-New London) said in a release. “The ability to guarantee cleaner, more quality water is the obvious. But, investing in our shoreline will spur great economic development for our community. I thank the bond commission for seeing the importance of this investment.”

“Ensuring clean water is essential to the future of New London,” said State Representative Christine Conley (Democrat-Groton, Ledyard) said in a release. “With the shoreline as a major attraction and economic booster of our community, it is so important that we do everything in our power to keep it clean and protected. I encourage the State Bond Commission to vote in favor of this funding.”

The State Bond Commission is expected to vote on this and other funding across the state at its upcoming meeting. The meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building. The meeting is open to the public.

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