Joseph A. Riccio
203-384-9777

Immediate
December 13, 2004

Bridgeport Port Authority Executive Director Joseph A. Riccio Appointed to State Maritime Commission

Joseph A. Riccio, Executive Director of the Bridgeport Port Authority, was recently appointed to the newly formed Department of Transportation Connecticut Maritime Commission.

The 15-member state appointed commission will have powers to develop the state’s maritime commerce and industries. Riccio has a long resume as an expert in maritime economic development.

“I am honored to sit on the state Maritime Commission,” Riccio said. “The growth of our state waterways and ports are critical to the economic development of the state. The formation of this commission tells me the state is serious about exploring new ways to utilize our ports to relieve vehicle congestions on our highways and help more commuters reach their jobs every day via water travel.”

House Speaker Moira K. Lyons from Stamford nominated Riccio as a commissioner, who she considered an ideal candidate because of his experience.

"Joe's experience made him the ideal appointment to the Connecticut Maritime Commission,” Lyons said. “His skill and know-how will be an asset to the commission as it promotes the health and growth of the state's maritime community."

New legislation creating the state Maritime Commission effective July 1st spells out the board’s specific mission:
Advise the Commissioner of Transportation, the Governor and the General Assembly on state maritime policy;
Develop and recommend maritime policy for the state;
Support the development of Connecticut’s maritime commerce and industries, including deep water ports;
Recommend investments and actions to preserve and enhance maritime commerce and industries;
Identify new opportunities for ports, encouraging private investment.

Riccio has served as the Executive Director of the BPA for the last eight years and was instrumental in procuring state and state funding for the barge feeder service based at the Bridgeport harbor as well as federal funding for the development of a new high-speed ferry service for commuters between Bridgeport and Stamford.

Under Riccio’s tenure, BPA has also begun the process to have Bridgeport’s harbor dredged for the first time in 35 years. In addition, the BPA has played an important role in developing its port property, such as the Bridgeport Regional Maritime Complex, which includes the addition of the Derecktor Shipyards. The BPA was also responsible for the construction of the ferry terminal building, improvements to the ferry dock and access road.

In addition, Riccio sits on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities and is the chairman of its Maritime Economic Development Committee.  He’s also a board member of the Connecticut Maritime Coalition, the Connecticut World Trade Association, the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce and the Goodwill of Southwestern Connecticut.