Researcher: GM Page 1 4/14/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 605
AN ACT CONCERNING THE PORT AUTHORITY.
SUMMARY
This bill makes several changes related to the Connecticut Port
Authority.
It requires two of the governor’s four appointments to the
authority’s 15-member board of directors to represent certain interests.
Specifically, one must represent a port in New Haven, New London, or
Bridgeport and another must represent a port located in a town other
than those three. By law, two of the governor’s appointments serve for
two-year terms and two for four-year terms. The bill does not specify
which of the governor’s four appointments that its requirements apply
to.
The bill also moves the Connecticut Pilot Commission from being
within the Port Authority to the Department of Transportation. This is
for administrative purposes only, as is the case under existing law. By
law, the commission advises the authority on marine pilot licensure,
the safe conduct of vessels, and the protection of ports and waters in
Connecticut.
Finally, by January 1, 2022, the Port Authority’s executive director
must submit a plan to the Transportation Committee on ensuring a
transparent and equitable process for selecting and disbursing grants
through the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
BACKGROUND
Connecticut Port Authority
The Connecticut Port Authority is a quasi-public agency charged
with marketing and developing the state’s ports and maritime 2021SB-00605-R000444-BA.DOCX
Researcher: GM Page 2 4/14/21
economy. Specifically, its purpose is to (1) coordinate port
development, focusing on private and public investment; (2) work
with state, local, and private entities to maximize the economic
potential of the state’s ports and harbors; (3) support and enhance the
state’s maritime economy; and (4) coordinate the state’s maritime
policy (CGS § 15-31a et seq.).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Transportation Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 35 Nay 0 (03/26/2021)