HARTFORD – Today, the Connecticut State Bond Commission led by Governor Ned Lamont met at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to authorize bond funding for multiple projects across the state. Senator Hwang, as ranking leader of the Bonding Subcommittee, worked with the Lamont administration and Fairfield’s Harbor Management Commission to submit a bonding application to receive $1,073,778 to repair and replace damaged seawalls, retaining walls, and the fishing pier at the Lower Wharf in Southport Harbor.
The Lower Wharf is located in a National Register Historic District and provides public access to walking, recreation, wildlife viewing, fishing, and more. This funding will be utilized to restore the Lower Wharf’s fishing pier to safe, working order. The fishing pier has been closed since the gangplank allowing access from land to the pier was ripped from the structure by a coastal storm. The project is anticipated to take between four and six months to complete.
After consulting and working with municipal officials who highlighted the need for state funding to make repairs to the property, Senator Hwang submitted a detailed bonding request to administrative officials and legislative leaders to include this funding in this month’s bonding package. Senator Hwang acknowledged the joint supportive efforts of State Representative Jennifer Leeper (D-132nd) in her prior application efforts.
“The Lower Wharf is a historical staple for public use and enjoyment of the Southport community and the Fairfield area at large. For more than 250 years, sailors leaving the Southport Harbor have passed this landmark on their voyages. The property is used for special community gatherings and celebrations such as the annual Blessing of the Fleet and the Southport Street Parade. This funding in conjunction with town financial assistance will restore access to this treasured gem of our community. I am proud of the collaborative effort and thank Governor Lamont for recognizing the Lower Wharf’s historic significance in allocating this essential funding. Everyone wins!.” Senator Hwang remarked.
Fairfield Harbor Management Commission Chairperson Donald Hyman added. “To me, during these difficult times in Washington, D.C., this is reassuring evidence that local and state governments can actually work quite well. This funding approval reflects the efforts of many people in Fairfield town government who worked hard to put together the detailed documents necessary for state officials to carefully review and assess our situation. Until today we had plans and permits– but virtually no money. Happily, from the start we had vital bipartisan, bicameral support from both state Rep. Jennifer Leeper and state Senator Tony Hwang, each of them providing stewardship and political leadership in Hartford. We started talks with both of them on this idea six months ago. Today is a very satisfying day for all of us.”
“The Town of Fairfield and the general public want to thank State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) and the State Delegation (Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-133) and Rep. Jennifer Leeper (D-132)) for providing funding for the Lower Wharf Improvements project. Damaged by a coastal storm, the Fishing Pier and Coastal Public Green Space will be restored to its original condition. This project will benefit the community by restoring the historic waterfront property, providing general public access to Southport Harbor for persons of all ages and abilities,” said Fairfield Engineering Department Engineering Manager William Hurley P.E.
“The town showed much foresight when it acquired this historic waterfront property in 1999 for the public’s use and enjoyment, and now in 2024, it continues to be quite remarkable to experience how the town departments, the state delegation, and the Selectman’s office have been working so well together to secure funds for the needed repairs and reconstruction. I feel fortunate to be able to help in even a small way,” .
The post Sen. Hwang Offers Appreciation to CT State Bond Commission for Necessary Bond Funding to Repair Southport’s Historical Lower Wharf appeared first on Connecticut Senate Republicans.
