Plans for the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival in New London hit a pothole thanks to tourism cuts outlined in Gov. Malloy's proposed budget, but promoters say they'll approach legislators to get the money they need.
"We're gonna talk some more with them and make sure that our requests stay intact, and get carried through into the final budget," said John Johnson, of OpSail Connecticut.
Johnson said OpSail is raising $255,000 for the September festival and wants $200,000 more from the state government. Without the state's help, he doubts the festival could go on.
But he is confident it will.
"This year, we're after the big schooners, and we've got a 200-foot schooner coming from the state of Rhode Island, the Oliver Hazard Perry," Johnson said. "We've got a 160-foot, brand new ship coming from Florida."
He said there will also be a Chowder Challenge, a proven draw to the New London waterfront.
The festival, Sept. 9-12, is separate from Sailfest, which takes place earlier in the summer in New London. Both are observing the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard.
