CT HB05289

Establishes the Connecticut Port Authority as a public instrumentality effective October 1, 2015, with powers to coordinate port development, pursue federal and state funding for infrastructure improvements, and market Connecticut ports to the shipping industry

Creates a 15-member board of directors consisting of four ex officio commissioners, seven legislative appointees (House speaker, majority/minority leaders and Senate president pro tempore, majority/minority leaders), and five gubernatorial appointees, with appointed members requiring business and management experience in trade, marine transportation, finance, or economic development

Requires the board to appoint an executive director with extensive port operations experience who serves at the board's pleasure, approves all accounts and expenses, and maintains official records; board members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for expenses

Establishes a Port Authority Working Group effective from passage through October 1, 2015, to develop recommendations on the authority's powers including employment practices, bonding authority, property management, and contracting authority

Designates the Connecticut Port Authority as a quasi-public agency under state law and transfers maritime function recommendations from the Connecticut Maritime Commission to the Port Authority; exempts certain marine fuels from state petroleum tax for vessels exceeding 4,000 dead weight tons or primarily engaged in interstate commerce