- New London law director issues letter of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with opinion that Connecticut Port Authority must amend existing Municipal Development Plan before it can apply for a permit for a major upgrade to State Pier
- Planned $157 million overhaul would establish location as a hub for offshore wind developments in the region
- Mayor accuses Port Authority of shutting host city out of discussions and ignoring issues raised with the development
New London Law Director Jeffrey Londregan has issued a challenge to the Connecticut Port Authority’s ability to proceed with a major overhaul of the city’s State Pier, sending a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers averring that the group must first amend the Municipal Development Plan governing activities at the site before it can apply for a permit.
The Connecticut Port Authority has sent a permit application to the Corps for a $157 million overhaul of State Pier, including demolition work, filling in the space between the two piers, and work that will take place both in the Thames River and onshore. The utility Eversource and Danish wind energy company Orsted are partnering to transform the facility into a regional wind turbine generator port facility.
The city argues that the State Pier Municipal Development Plan, a 30-year ordinance established in 1999 to govern development at the pier and its surrounding land, remains in effect. The plan requires that any major modifications necessitate public hearings and approvals by local legislators.
The Connecticut Port Authority has not yet written a legal opinion on the issue, but holds that it has already completed the actions the Municipal Development Plan governs. New London Mayor Michael Passero has criticized the Connecticut Port Authority, accusing it of ignoring issues raised by the host city and shutting it out of discussions.
The Corps’ public comment period has brought in both critical and supportive statements for the project. Critics contend that the development will close the pier to other cargo ships and potentially compromise safety on the river. Supporters, including the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, hold that the redeveloped pier will improve the economy of southeastern Connecticut and create a more modern port facility that can support numerous shipping opportunities in the future.
