City of Norwalk's Visitor Docks at Veterans Memorial Park were funded in large by the Connecticut Port Authority

On January 21, 2026, the Connecticut Port Authority released Request for Applications for the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP).

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The purpose of the SHIPP program is to strengthen Connecticut’s maritime economy by improving safe access to the State’s harbors and by offsetting incremental costs associated with related regulatory requirements. Applications are open to municipalities and, new this year, private entities.

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The application period will close on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4pm. Selected projects will be awarded on or about March 25, 2026.

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Municipalities

SHIPP grants for municipalities may be used for a wide range of harbor improvements including:

• Permitting and design

• Dredging

• Boat ramp facilities

• Docks, bulkheads and breakwaters

• Harbor management plans.

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Under the draft guidelines, the Port Authority may fund up to fifty percent (50%) of the total eligible project costs, with a maximum award of $400,000.

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Private Entities

The draft policy also provides that Private entities, such as marinas and clubs, may apply for funding up to $250,000 to support specific dredging related expenses for costs that exceed those associated with best-case, least cost options.

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Please let us know if we can be of assistance with this potential opportunity. RACE has experience and expertise supporting federal and state grant applications.

Posted January 21, 2026

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