Courtney Announces His Amendment To Return Stonington Wharf To Town Passes The House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) announced that his amendment to restore the Old Stonington Wharf to the Town of Stonington was passed by the House of Representatives as a part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA). The historic Stonington wharf which was once an important dock and social gathering area for the town has been deteriorating for decades.

The Town of Stonington, the Warden and Burgesses of Stonington Borough, and the Stonington Harbor Management Commission have formed the Old Stonington Wharf/Breakwater Task Force to restore the wharf, but congressional action is required before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can turn control of the wharf over to the town.

Rep. Courtney speaks before the House in support of his amendment

“The Old Stonington Wharf is an historic treasure and the town deserves the chance to restore it for future generations to enjoy,” said Courtney. “Unfortunately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has allowed this historic landmark to deteriorate over the years without regular maintenance and repairs. I applaud the hard working local officials including Task Force Chair Peter Tacy, Stonington First Selectman Rob Simmons and retiring State-Senator Andy Maynard, for putting a plan of action in place to get the work done. I was pleased that the House passed my amendment today, and I will continue to press my colleagues in the House and Senate to make sure it is included in the final version after the bills have been conferenced. “

A similar amendment was included in the Senate version or WRDA passed earlier this month and the two versions of the bill will need to be reconciled before final passage.