A resilient infrastructure
Empire Fisheries owner Joe Gilbert, Rep. Aundré Bumgarder and Borough Warden Michael Schefers
Rep. Bumgardner:
In September, I invited partners from state agencies — DEEP, OPM, and the Governor’s Office for a visit — along with representatives from the CT Port Authority and the offices of Sen. Chris Murphy and Congressman Joe Courtney, to the Stonington Town Docks for a briefing on harbor infrastructure, climate resilience, and the future of Connecticut’s last major commercial fishing fleet.
Grateful to First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough and the Stonington Harbor Management Commission for hosting the visit and leading thoughtful discussions on the condition of the North and South Piers — and to the Stonington Fishing Fleet, SNEFLA, and Empire Fisheries for showing how this fleet continues to anchor our regional economy and coastal identity.
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The fleet supports over 100 fishermen and two seafood processing companies, supplying restaurants and markets across CT and Rhode Island. In a time when 98% of U.S. seafood is imported (NOAA Fisheries), these docks represent one of the few places where fish are still landed, processed, and distributed locally — sustaining jobs, food security, and our state’s maritime heritage.
Construction is now underway on Phase 1 of the North Pier Rehabilitation Project, restoring 142 feet of the 344-foot pier — roughly 40% of its total length — and replacing 65 structural pilings with support from a $900,000 federal grant secured by Rep. Courtney and a $400,000 local contingency approved by the Town’s Board of Finance.
According to engineering estimates, the remaining 60% of the pier, along with the entire 344-foot seawall, still require restoration. I’m continuing to work closely with the Governor’s Office along with Senator Somers to secure state bond funding to complete this work and protect the harbor for generations to come.
This project isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about safeguarding a 200 year old working waterfront that has weathered hurricanes and brutal storms. The pier also serves as an evacuation point for Fishers Island residents in the event of a Millstone emergency. With sea levels projected to rise by about one foot by 2050 (CIRCA), these investments are vital to ensuring that our coastal communities remain safe, resilient, and prosperous.
When complete, the full rehabilitation of the North Pier and seawall will protect an estimated $7–10 million in annual economic activity, and keep Stonington’s harbor thriving well into the next century.