Federal, State, and Local officials today toured and celebrated recently constructed projects that provide moorings for larger recreational vessels – which encourage people to enjoy boating on the state’s waterways and stimulate tourism and economic development.

Onboard for the tour – which took in four Connecticut River marina sites from East Haddam to Old Saybrook – were Second District Congressman Joe Courtney, Commissioner Robert Klee of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and East Haddam First Selectman Emmitt J. Lyman. 

“I am very pleased that these new facilities built with federal grant funding will make recreational boating safer and more accessible for Connecticut residents and visitors to our state,” said Congressman Courtney. “We have some of the most pristine waterways in the country in and around eastern Connecticut. I hope that these improved facilities will encourage more people to get out and enjoy our region, as well as attract new tourists to the area which will provide a further boost to our economy.”

“We have long been successful at providing boat launch access for smaller recreational boats, and now with the support of the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG) we are able to provide the same high quality access for larger recreational vessels,” said DEEP Commissioner Klee.  “Facilities for larger boats are critical for tourism and economic growth in Connecticut, and we hope that Connecticut and out-of-state boaters alike take the opportunity to enjoy these transient boating destinations and enjoy all that the Connecticut River and our shoreline have to offer.”

The tour started at the town facility in East Haddam and included stops at Chrisholm Marina, Chester; Saybrook Point Marina, Old Saybrook and S&S Marine, Old Saybrook.

Other facilities recently receiving grants under the BIG program include: Wethersfield Cove Marina, Town of Wethersfield; Middletown Harbor Park, City of Middletown; Reynolds Garage & Marina, Lyme, and the Thamesport Marina, New London, where 54 new slips for transient boaters visiting the new London area are now under construction.

Managed by DEEP, this program awards grants to public and private agencies, marinas and other facilities that provide transient tie-up opportunities for recreational boats 26’ or more in length.

Funds for the BIG program are from the US Fish and Wildlife Services, Sport Fish Restoration Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund. Funding is created through the federal excise tax on fishing equipment, trolling motors and import duties on boats and motorboat fuels.

Since 2000, Connecticut has received and successfully administered 12 grants for the construction of transient boating facilities, including slips, moorings, upland facilities and amenities sought by transient boaters. 

The BIG program is aimed to serve vessels 26’ operated by Connecticut residents and out-of-state visitors alike, many of which cruise the Long Island Sound shoreline and travel up the Connecticut River.

When these vessels and their passengers arrive, they seek transient dockage and upland amenities, such as bath and shower facilities, marine supplies, groceries, laundry, restaurants, and entertainment, as well as cultural, historical and recreational opportunities.

By providing boating infrastructure and “rest stops” at various laces along the Connecticut shoreline and Connecticut River, communities are posed to showcase all that they have to offer and attracting tourism dollars.

For more information:  www.ct.gov/deep/transientboaterfacilities

Note:  New round of funding announced. 

The Department of Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is providing another round of Boating Infrastructure Grants for the FY 2018 season.  DEEP will soon be accepting applications for an estimated total of $13 million available, providing federal funds to public and private agencies, marinas, and other facilities for creation of renovation of tie-up facilities for transient recreational boats 26 feet or larger.  Application details will soon be posted on DEEP’s website.