Ports study nearing completion

New London — State officials reviewed a draft of the study of the state’s three deep water ports and asked the port and harbor adviser for more information on economic opportunities.

The commissioners of the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Policy and Management, Department of Transportation and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection gave their feedback on the study last week and asked for more details on the potential market, Bob Ross, executive director of the state’s Office of Military Affairs, said at the Connecticut Maritime Commission on Wednesday.

The market study, Ross said, will “guide our investment decisions.”

The state hired Moffatt & Nichol to identify potential growth opportunities for the New London, New Haven and Bridgeport ports and agreed to pay up to $477,179 for the study. The firm met a June 30 deadline by submitting its research May 15, Ross said.

Ross said he wouldn’t speculate on when study would be complete. The state is more interested in the quality of the report than the timeline, he added.

“We’re anxious to release it as soon as possible,” Ross said.

Connecticut’s maritime industries and related economic activity account for more than $5 billion in business output within the state, including more than 30,000 jobs, and about $2.7 billion of the state’s gross domestic product.

Joseph A. Riccio Jr., commission chairman, has attended presentations on Moffatt & Nichol’s initial findings, which, he said, give a “realistic view” of the ports.

“The state is wise in asking the consultant to come back with more information on the market,” he said. “We’re this close. It’s fine to wait a little longer.”

The end product, Riccio said, will “help shape and grow the maritime economy in Connecticut.”

j.mcdermott@theday.com