New York wants to prevent more dredging in Long Island Sound. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong filed a statement in court this week to say New York’s stance lacks merit.
Dredged sediments from harbors are regularly dumped in the Sound.
New York lawmakers oppose a plan to expand dredging to new sites in the eastern part of the Sound. They say the silt and sediment could contain contaminants that are harmful to the environment. The dump sites are in Connecticut waters.
Tong says New York’s challenge would impede Connecticut’s maritime economy, including the submarine base in Groton, near New London.
“It’s really important that we dredge the waters around Connecticut, particularly around New London. We need to get submarines in and out of the New London area, and up and down our shoreline here in Connecticut.”
Connecticut officials say dredging supports about $9 billion worth of commercial activity in the state, like shipping and fishing.
