Niantic River Boat Launch Overflow Parking Improvements Completed In Waterford

WATERFORD, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the town of Waterford have completed improvements to the Niantic River State Boat Launch overflow parking area at 371 and 365 Mago Point Way, officials announced Wednesday.

The upgraded lot is intended to expand public access to the Niantic River and Long Island Sound and support activity in the Mago Point business district, according to the release.

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The overflow lot is on 0.89 acres of DEEP property and serves as a secondary parking area for the main Niantic River State Boat Launch, which accommodates about 100 boat trailers. Before the improvements, the lot had no pavement, line striping, drainage or signag.

"This creative partnership between DEEP and the Town of Waterford maximized the use of state and local funds to transform this unimproved lot, resulting in better infrastructure for all users," Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino said. "This project now provides expanded parking during peak boating and fishing season while allowing for better utilization of the space by other visitors in the evenings and off season when the boat launch is less busy."

The project cost about $800,000. DEEP funded two-thirds of the cost through minor capital funds, and Waterford funded one-third, according to the release. Local approvals were secured in late 2024 through the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.

Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule said the project created additional parking for boaters, kayakers, birders, visitors and local businesses.

"The DEEP Boating Division has been outstanding partners, working side by side with the Town to find solutions that benefit both public access and the businesses that make Mago Point such a special destination," Brule said.

Brule said the town plans to continue the work by paving side roads this fall.

Construction was completed in summer 2025 and included debris removal, grading, paving, line striping, traffic markings, sidewalk improvements, fencing, lighting, landscaping, a stormwater rain garden and conduits for future electric vehicle charging stations, according to the release.

The upgraded lot includes eight designated boat trailer spaces, 36 vehicle spaces and two ADA-accessible parking spaces.

In summer 2026, DEEP and Waterford finalized a Joint Care and Maintenance Agreement outlining parking rules for water-dependent users and the general public.

Boating and fishing access remain the primary uses. Vehicle parking is permitted from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. from April 1 through Nov. 30 and from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. from Dec. 1 through March 31. Trailer spaces are reserved at all times for vehicles with boat trailers, and overnight parking is not permitted for non-water uses, according to the release.

Haley Ward and Suchocki and Son Inc. were contractors on the project.