CONCORD, Mass. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New England District, and the Connecticut Port Authority (CTPA) announced the execution of a Project Partnership Agreement, officially kicking off the construction phase of the landmark New Haven Harbor Improvement Project. This critical infrastructure project will modernize the harbor’s federal navigation channel to accommodate larger, more efficient vessels, strengthening the port’s economic competitiveness and enhancing navigational safety.
The project, authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, and funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, involves deepening the main channel, maneuvering area, and turning basin from 35 feet to 40 feet below mean lower low water. It will also widen the channel in key areas to improve vessel transit safety.
“This project represents a significant investment in our nation’s maritime infrastructure, and is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Connecticut Port Authority,” said Colonel Justin R. Pabis, Commander of the USACE New England District. “By improving the efficiency and safety of New Haven Harbor, we are helping to ensure the reliable movement of vital commodities, which will deliver economic benefits to the entire region for decades to come.”
The Port of New Haven is the busiest port between Boston and New York City, and serves as a critical artery for the distribution of raw materials, petroleum products and heating fuel throughout the Northeast. By allowing larger vessels to arrive fully loaded without waiting for high tides, the deepening project significantly bolsters the region's energy resiliency. These navigational improvements ensures more reliable, consistent, and secure energy supply chains during peak winter demand and severe weather events.
"The New Haven Harbor Improvement Project is a significant investment in Connecticut’s economic future,” said Michael J. O’Connor, Executive Director of the Connecticut Port Authority. “This is the busiest port in Connecticut and brings materials and products into Connecticut by sea, a great alternative to moving freight on our highways. A deeper, wider channel will increase navigational safety, improve the port's capacity, reduce shipping costs, and support job growth across our state. We are proud to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deliver a modern, resilient, and competitive port for the people and businesses of Connecticut."
In line with the two organizations’ commitment to environmental stewardship, the project will beneficially use a significant portion of the nearly 4.5 million cubic yards of dredged material. Approximately 900,000 cubic yards of sand will be used to create and enhance valuable shellfish habitat, nearly 700,000 cubic yards of fine-grained material will be used to fill in historic borrow pits created during the construction of I-95 and dredged rock will be used to establish a new reef habitat within the harbor.
Construction efforts are expected to begin in the fall of 2026 and run through spring 2028.