(a) In addition to municipal requests for a grant-in-aid pursuant to § 13b-57, harbor improvement projects may be initiated by the Connecticut Port Authority on behalf of the state or for the state on behalf of the federal government. Recommendations on the prioritization or inclusion of projects shall be submitted to the board of directors of the authority by the executive director of the authority. The authority shall contract for the provision of goods and services to harbors and waterways for such improvements, and shall provide the funding required under such contracts, except that the authority may enter into agreements with other state agencies or municipalities for such agencies or municipalities to provide the funding for any of such contracts. The authority shall administer all contracts entered into under this section.

(b) All contracts are subject to final negotiation of the scope and budget for a given project. Contracting periods may vary depending on each project. Payments shall be made on a reimbursement basis for deliverables completed no later than the dates of service of an executed contract. Appropriate back-up information shall be included with each payment request indicating that services have been rendered. The authority may elect to provide part or all of the funds necessary as an upfront payment, provided funds are held in a separate, noninterest bearing account and are expended not later than sixty days after such funds are provided.

(c) Harbor improvement projects include the preparation of plans, studies and construction for the alteration and improvement of various state, municipal and other properties in or adjacent to the waters of the state, for the purpose of improving the economy and infrastructure of the state.