Connecticut Port Authority Visits Old Lyme to Highlight Harbor Improvement Projects

OLD LYME, CT – Connecticut Port Authority Director Michael O’Connor joined local officials Friday to showcase three Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP) grants supporting navigation safety, waterfront accessibility and marine emergency response.

The agency in a news release said the grants include $11,000 for replacement transient moorings, Slow No Wake markers and navigational buoys; $60,000 for the Horseneck Creek Public Access and Dock Project; and $280,000 to modernize and expand the Old Lyme Town Dock on Ferry Road. The awards represent a state investment of $351,000 toward approximately $422,000 in total project costs.

The navigation safety project will replace two transient moorings, install three Slow No Wake markers at entrances to Old Lyme’s inner waterways and replace three navigational buoys serving the Back River and Black Hall River.

Two of the original Slow No Wake markers and one replacement marker were intentionally destroyed over the past month, according to Harbormaster Matthew Lynch. He said the Bozrah-based Gilman Corporation has offered to replace them. 

The Horseneck Creek project will help advance plans for a fully accessible public boating, fishing and crabbing facility at 36-1 Buttonball Road. Proposed improvements include a fixed pier, gangway and floating dock designed to provide access for users of all abilities while minimizing impacts on surrounding wetlands.

The largest grant, $280,000, will support design and construction work to modernize and expand the town dock on Ferry Road along the Connecticut River. Town officials said the project will improve access for Lynch, the Old Lyme Fire Department’s marine unit and future police marine operations, while also accommodating transient recreational boaters and strengthening emergency response capabilities.