New London State Pier Project Receives Final Approval

NEW LONDON, CT — Final approval has been granted to begin the State Pier Improvement Project in New London, which seeks to create a massive wind power hub. The Connecticut Port Authority Board of Directors has issued a notice to proceed to its construction manager to begin permitted dredging activities, according to a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont.

The state kicked off the project in 2018 with $30 million in funding for offshore wind energy projects.

The project is intended to turn State Pier into a "modern, heavy-lift facility capable of supporting offshore wind turbine staging and assembly and a broader range of cargo businesses."

"This project positions New London to become the premier commercial east coast hub for the offshore wind sector," Lamont said in a statement. "Connecticut remains a leader in the transition to renewable energy and the fight against climate change. This exciting opportunity was enabled by the efforts of the Connecticut Port Authority and remains supported by a project management team composed of leadership and staff from our administration."

An agreement between the city of New London and and Ørsted/Eversource Joint Venture facilitates redevelopment of State Pier and guarantees at least $5.25 million in payments to the city of New London over the next seven years.

The agreement also provides for the city's revenue to increase as Connecticut's use of renewable offshore wind expands over the next decade.

"The recent decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers represents an exciting step forward to finally getting this State Pier project off the ground and creating a significant economic development opportunity for New London," Mayor Michael Passero said in a statement. "Our city may not be large, but it has always played a major role in Connecticut, punching above its weight, and now the eyes of the world will be on our city as we become a hub for the production of technology to support renewable energy."