House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

October 6, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Gov. Rell, Rep. Giuliano: $250, 000 Grant Approved for Improvements to Old Saybrook Ferry Dock

 

The state Bond Commission has approved $250,000 in state funding to help pay for rehabilitation and improvement work at the historic Ferry Dock in Old Saybrook, Governor M. Jodi Rell and state Representative Marilyn Giuliano, R-23rd District, announced today.

The funding, which comes from the state’s Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), was approved at today’s (October 6, 2006) Bond Commission meeting.

“Town officials point out that rehabilitating Ferry Dock will pay dividends for the local economy, as well as for public safety and historic preservation,” Governor Rell said.  “The dock serves a number of small commercial fishing boats and has the potential for new slips for recreational boats.  A restored, expanded and safe Ferry Dock will help the town and harbor management commission tap the potential for employment and business opportunities along the waterfront.”

“This is an extremely important project for Old Saybrook because it involves safety improvements as well as the overall rehabilitation of Ferry Dock,” Representative Giuliano said.  “I thank Governor Rell for recognizing the dock as a vital community and economic development asset.  I was pleased to work with her to make this grant a reality.”

The work planned for Ferry Dock includes replacement of cross bracing and replacement or repair of structural pilings on the ‘T’ dock section; dredging of slips around the dock; installation of steel sheathing along the dock’s face; repair or replacement of floats, ramps and pilings associated with slips; vehicle guardrails; security and safety lighting; and ten additional floating slips.

Until a bridge first spanned the Connecticut River at Old Saybrook in 1911, Ferry Dock was the boat crossing point for travelers and commercial goods.  Besides limited public access to the water, the dock now serves a fleet of small commercial vessels fishing for shad, lobster, conch and eel.  The town subsidizes the fleet by making low-cost berthing available.  The project is also expected to lead to the expansion of available slips for non-commercial boats.

 A total of $20 million was authorized for more than 100 small towns under the STEAP program this fiscal year.