Recommendations for Conn. ports released

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A new report is recommending ways to stop the rapid decline of Connecticut's deep water ports in Bridgeport, New Haven and New London.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced the report's findings Thursday. Malloy says the report will guide the state in protecting existing businesses at the ports and identifying new commerce opportunities. The document says import volume at state ports has declined by nearly 80 percent since 2006.

The report commissioned by the Department of Transportation recommends retaining and expanding liquid and dry storage facilities, shipyards, ship repair companies and ferry services. It urges more exporting of scrap metal and wood pellets and more importing of lumber, copper, steel and fresh food.

State officials say Connecticut's maritime sector is responsible for tens of thousands of jobs and $5 billion in economic activity.