Sign Up
SB 1242 Connecticut Senate · 2025 Regular Session

AN ACT FUNDING SMALL HARBOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

SB 1242 creates a state-funded grant program for small harbor improvement projects in Connecticut, excluding harbors in New Haven, New London, and Bridgeport. It authorizes $20 million in state bonds (allocated across fiscal years 2022-2026) to fund competitive grants for dredging, infrastructure upgrades, and environmental compliance in small harbors. Municipalities and private entities can apply for grants covering costs like federal matching requirements, environmental management, or gaps in federal funding, with municipalities prioritized. The Connecticut Port Authority will administer the program under Section 13b-55d, established by this bill.
Issues: ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $20M in state bonds for harbor improvement grants, increasing government spending on infrastructure projects.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds harbor infrastructure improvements (dredging, upgrades), a key component of transportation infrastructure, aligning with funding transportation projects.95% confidence
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2025 Last action Apr 1, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → TRA Joint Favorable Substitute · 7 edits
MODERATE
This bill changes how Connecticut funds small harbor improvement projects. The original version authorized bond issuance for specific port projects, while the substitute version creates a competitive grant program that municipalities and private entities can apply for. The funding structure and project eligibility have been significantly reorganized.
Scope change
The bill's scope shifted from authorizing bonds for specific Connecticut Port Authority projects to creating a competitive grant program available to municipalities and private entities for small harbor improvements.
FISCAL

Changed from authorizing bond issuance for specific projects to creating a competitive grant program with a $20 million aggregate funding cap.

ELIGIBILITY

Added eligibility for municipalities and private entities to apply for grants, with preference given to municipal applications.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that private maritime infrastructure projects must obtain all permits and authorizations before receiving grant awards.

Added requirement that the Connecticut Port Authority develop eligibility criteria and determine matching requirements for grant recipients.

DEFINITION

Changed the account name from 'small harbor improvement projects account' to 'small harbor improvements projects grant program' and restructured how funds are used.

SCOPE

Removed specific geographic restrictions limiting projects to ports outside New Haven, New London, and Bridgeport.

TIMELINE

Changed application process from unspecified to annual applications submitted at times prescribed by the authority.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Mar 12, 2025
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable Substitute
upper
Feb 5, 2025
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Transportation
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.