The Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) announced that Devin Santa, President of RACE Coastal Engineering and John Casey, Partner at Robinson + Cole, were named 2023 Jeanne Czel Persons of the Year at the Association’s Annual Industry Day on March 29.

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The award celebrates the life of Jeanne Czel (Ritt’s Marine Center) to recognize CMTA members and employees of member companies for going above and beyond in service to Connecticut’s marine industry.

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Dredging Connecticut’s waterways is crucial to Connecticut’s economy. An open water dredged material  relocation site at the Eastern end of Long Island Sound has been restricted as it’s the source of a legal battle between New York and the Environmental Protection Agency.  This ongoing legal battle has impacted all of the dredging within Long Island Sound, including material destined for other open water relocation sites.  Both Devin and John have volunteered significant time communicating with state and federal legislators and Connecticut governmental organization leaders on the importance of the ability to dredge, the environmental safeguards currently incorporated in dredging, and alternatives that exist for dredged material management.

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The award is the CMTA’s highest honor; it reads "If you Want to Lift Yourself Up, then Lift Up Someone Else" - - Booker T. Washington

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