CT SB01067

Establishes the State-Wide Port Authority as a quasi-public agency effective July 1, 2011, located within the Office of Policy and Management to coordinate port development and pursue federal funding for Connecticut's deepwater ports.

Board of directors consists of Commissioners of Economic and Community Development and Transportation, Secretary of Office of Policy and Management, representatives from Bridgeport, New Haven and New London port authorities, and five Governor-appointed members with a Governor-appointed chairperson requiring legislative consent.

Authority empowered to coordinate port development, market Connecticut ports, plan capital projects, issue bonds, enter contracts, acquire and manage property, and employ staff exempt from state civil service rules.

Board must adopt written procedures for budgeting, hiring, property acquisition, professional services contracting, bond issuance, and financial assistance awards, with board approval required for nonbudgeted expenditures exceeding $5,000.

Authority designated as quasi-public agency subject to state regulatory procedures and State Treasurer approval for state-guaranteed borrowing; directors and employees granted liability protections for non-reckless acts performed in official duties.