Waterford Harbor Commission Reviews Town Dock Repairs, River Buoy Proposal

WATERFORD, CT — Repairs to the Waterford Town Dock are fully funded through a $125,000 state grant and an equal town match, while a separate proposal to install 20 buoys along the Niantic River will return to the Harbor Management Commission for further review.

The commission received updates on both projects during its Aug. 5 meeting. Chairman John Hughes reported attending a July 29 event marking approval of the $125,000 Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program grant for the town dock. Waterford is matching the grant with $125,000, providing a total of $250,000 for the repairs.

Hughes said the repairs may take time but that funding for the work is now in place. He has provided Waterford Public Works Director Gary Schneider, who will oversee the awarding of contract work, with the names of three engineers and two contractors qualified to work on the dock.

The commission also reviewed correspondence about the $250,000 project, which is intended to improve emergency response capabilities on the Niantic River and Long Island Sound.

20 Buoys Proposed Along Niantic River

Toby Russ, owner of Three Belles Marina, and three employees/supporters appeared before the commission to discuss the "Opening a Gateway Save the River-Save the Hills" proposal.

The plan calls for installing 20 buoys along the Niantic River to increase public access to the river and the Oswegatchie Hills through guided educational tours. Russ discussed a proposed explorer program and asked the commission for a formal letter supporting the project as organizers seek approvals from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the proposed floats.

Russ told commissioners that the project has received letters and approvals from local towns and conservation groups and answered questions about how the program would operate.

Hughes raised concerns about the riparian rights of homeowners along the river and suggested Russ contact individual property owners to seek their consent for the buoys. The commission did not act on the requested support letter.

Instead, commissioners agreed to seek feedback from Harbor Master David Crocker and place the proposal on their next agenda for additional discussion.

Mooring Applications Reviewed

The commission also reviewed the status of Waterford's 2026 mooring and pulley pole applications.

As of the meeting, 145 applications had been approved, while 18 were awaiting additional paperwork, inspections or payment. Commissioners plan to schedule a date to tag delinquent moorings for removal when Crocker is available.

Work also continues on amendments to Waterford's Harbor Management Plan and maps. Commissioner Fred Wise is obtaining maps and drawings for the plan, with the work proceeding in consultation with the town attorney.

Crocker was absent from the meeting and did not provide the scheduled harbor master's report, which was expected to include updates on the removal of a log from a beach and the retrieval of a floating dock in the Niantic River.

The commission also received information about a free U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary "Suddenly in Command" course scheduled for Aug. 13 at the Connecticut Port Authority's Old Saybrook office. The course is intended for people who may need to take control of a boat if its captain becomes unable to operate it.

Hughes told commissioners he planned to participate in the Waterford Day Parade and invited other members to join him.

The commission unanimously approved its July 1 meeting minutes. The Aug. 5 meeting began at 5 p.m. in the Police Department Training Room and adjourned at 6 p.m.

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