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Westbrook commission hears preliminary plan for Patchogue River dredging; cost estimate $3–$4 million
Summary
Chairman John Rie told the Westbrook Harbor Management Commission that initial sediment tests show material from the Patchogue River may be acceptable for disposal at the ELIS site; estimated dredging costs are about $3–$4 million and federal funds may not be available until FY2028.
The Westbrook Harbor Management Commission heard an update Jan. 27 from Chairman John Rie on efforts to dredge the Patchogue River and clear navigation channels for marinas and vessels.
Rie said he spoke with Coral Siligato of the Army Corps of Engineers and reported that initial sediment testing indicates much of the material could be suitable for open-water disposal at the ELIS disposal site off New London, though determining beneficial reuse options will require further study. He said existing Corps funding is unlikely to be available before fiscal year 2028 and that, if Westbrook secures a mix of local, state and federal funding, dredging could be possible in 2027. The commission recorded an estimated funding need of about $3–$4 million.
Rie said he had been contacted by John Twidwell, vice president of Safe Harbor Marinas, who is working with several marinas to coordinate dredging and is exploring sites willing to accept dredged material for beneficial reuse; some potential recipients, Twidwell told Rie, expect material delivered at no cost, which increases disposal costs. Rie said he emailed Twidwell on Jan. 26 to request DEEP and Corps contacts.
Rie urged the commission to press Rep. Joe Courtney’s office for 2027 funding and to work with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to identify reuse sites and keep the permitting process moving. He also noted a permit is in place to dredge the entry channel this year and to dispose of spoils at Hammonasset if necessary.
The commission did not set a schedule at the meeting; Rie said the timeline remains uncertain pending funding and coordination with CT DEEP and the Army Corps of Engineers.
