(a) There is established an account to be known as the “harbor improvement account” which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. There shall be deposited in the account: (1) The proceeds of notes, bonds or other obligations issued by the state for the purpose of deposit therein and use in accordance with the permissible uses thereof; (2) funds appropriated by the General Assembly for the purpose of deposit therein and used in accordance with the permissible uses thereof; and (3) any other funds required or permitted by law to be deposited in the account. The funds in said account shall be expended by the Connecticut Port Authority for the purpose of initiating harbor improvement projects in accordance with § 13b-55a and for the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) The harbor improvement account may be used for federal dredging projects (1) to support, in full or in part, local and state matching requirements for such projects; (2) to cover the incremental costs associated with applicable environmental regulatory requirements or management practices, including beneficial use; and (3) to cover part or all of the costs of such projects in the absence of adequate federal funds. If any account funds are used for the purpose described in subdivision (3) of this subsection, the authority shall pursue reimbursement to the account from the federal government.