Governor Dannel P. Malloy, along with Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Joe Courtney, New London Mayor Michael Passero and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Robert Klee today celebrated completion of a project that provides transient dockage for larger recreational vessels at Thamesport Marina in New London. The project, which used a $1.4 million grant from the Federal Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, is intended to encourage people to enjoy boating on the state’s waterways while stimulating tourism and economic development.

“Facilities for larger boats are critical for tourism and economic growth in Connecticut, and we hope that in-state and out-of-state boaters alike take the opportunity to visit New London and enjoy the boating destinations we have around the Thames River in New London and Groton, as well as all along our other shoreline communities,” Governor Malloy said. “This project highlights what is possible when state and federal partners come together for the economic good of our local communities.”

“This major federal grant will allow larger boats to navigate the Thames, bringing new, important opportunities for tourism and investment,” Senator Blumenthal said. “Recreational boating is more than fun – it’s an economic anchor of our maritime economy. I look forward to welcoming these new boats and visitors to the Thamesport Marina, and will continue to do all I can to support Connecticut’s thriving maritime businesses.”

“This federal investment in New London is going to go a long way to helping revitalize the port and spur additional tourism in the area,” Congressman Joe Courtney said. “It will provide another amenity for visitors to come and enjoy along with other sights along the Thames River including the Submarine Force Library and Museum.”

The project was managed by DEEP.

“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, we are able to provide the same high-quality access for larger recreational vessels,” Commissioner Klee said. “DEEP is proud to work with our federal partners and local businesses to help create new economic opportunities for the region.”

The new transient docking facility features a large 12-foot wide concrete floating dock with an integrated wave attenuator, making it a very stable platform for large transient recreational vessels to visit and enjoy the mouth of the Thames River for up to 15 days and nights per stay. Due to the stability that is afforded by these new floating docks and finger piers, the facility can host up to 54 recreational vessels at a time and has the capacity to host very large vessels, exceeding 100 feet or more in length. The marina also offers gas and diesel, on-site pumpout facilities, an indoor/outdoor restaurant with water views, restrooms, showers and laundry. There are also three other restaurants located within walking distance of the docks.

Since 2000, Connecticut has received and successfully administered 13 grants for the construction of transient boating facilities, including slips, moorings, upland facilities and amenities sought by transient boaters. Information on other facilities in Connecticut receiving grants under the federal program can be found on DEEP’s interactive Boating Infrastructure Map at www.ct.gov/deep/transientboaterfacilities.