The Connecticut Port Authority failed to seek bids for a marketing vendor and improperly purchased a variety of services and supplies, a new state audit found. In a lengthy response included with the audit, the port authority partly agreed with the criticism while pointing out the agency was understaffed during the audited period and has since hired more personnel. The authority provided an explanation for each purchase criticized by auditors. The audit covered the fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The authority, located in Old Saybrook, has long endured criticism over its operations and purchasing practices, including ethics violations by members of the staff and board and the redevelopment of the State Pier in New London into an offshore wind hub. The project’s initial budget of $93 million has grown to nearly $310 million.
https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/audit-ct-port-authority-failed-seek-bids-properly-19969661.php