August 24, 2016

McGorty, Stratford Legislators Call on DEEP to Save Dredging Grant

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DEEP Memorandum with CT Audubon Necessary to Preserve $10 Million Grant

HARTFORD – Stratford’s legislative delegation, including State Representatives Laura Hoydick (R-120), Ben McGorty (R-122), Joe Gresko (D-121) and State Senators Kevin Kelly (R-21) and Ed Gomes (D-23) are calling on the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to execute a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the CT Audubon Society to monitor the piping plover population in the area of the base of the Housatonic River quickly, or a $10 million grant the legislators worked for to support dredging in Stratford’s port will be in jeopardy. The legislators sent a letter to DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee this week, asking for the agency to lean forward in securing the necessary MOU.

The grant funds are aimed at creating an 18’ by 200’ deep harbor at the base of the Housatonic River in Stratford. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requiring that the MOU be executed before dredging will be permitted. If the project is not executed by the end of October of this year, the $10 million would be lost.

“We are naturally very concerned that this essential aspect of the agreement to move the dredging forward takes place,” said Rep. McGorty. “We need to make sure this project stays on track and isn’t stalled. We appreciate the consideration of Commissioner Klee in this matter, and hope the agency will help make a difference here.”

“This dredging project has been a paramount focus of Stratford’s legislative delegation for many year,” said Rep. Hoydick. “The proposed dredging will enhance Stratford’s capacity as a functioning port along Long Island Sound. It would be terrible if we forfeited the $10 million grant we worked to obtain because this memorandum was not in place. That is why we are calling on Commissioner Klee and DEEP to help assure that this MOU goes forward, and the grant funds are not lost.”

“The dredging project is vitally important not only for Stratford, but also for all of Connecticut,” Rep. Gresko said. “Keeping the Housatonic River navigable is critical to the long-term success of our state. Connecticut must demonstrate its commitment to our future.”

“The Housatonic River and Long Island Sound are two of our region’s most valuable resources for economic development, recreational activity and environmental beauty,” saidSenator Kelly. “Dredging the river and our small harbor is critical to its sustainability going forward. The state must keep this project on track while the funding is in place.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers called for dredging in the Housatonic in Stratford and Milford because of low water depth, the result of years of the natural shoaling process, and storm events. Sand is now clogging the 18’ deep main channel of the river rendering it only 5’ deep in some areas, and the Army Corps has proposed removing up to 300,000 cubic yards of sandy material to allow for proper passage of vessels.

The proposed work is scheduled to last from October 1 of this year into February of 2017. The material to be dredged has been tested for contaminants, and has been deemed suitable to deposit at Hammonasset Beach.