Funding Will Support Commercial Fishing, Improve Waterfront Access, and Prepare for Future Dredging
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
12/13/2022
Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
PLYMOUTH — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced over $11 million in Seaport Economic Council grants for 24 projects. The grants will help 20 coastal communities advance projects that benefit commercial maritime industries, improve resident and visitor access to waterfront assets, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and advance future dredging. The grants were approved at today’s meeting of the Seaport Economic Council, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito at Plymouth Town Hall. “I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and all of the members of the Seaport Economic Council for their tireless work advancing Massachusetts’ coastal communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Since taking office our administration has been proud to award over $87 million through the Seaport Economic Council to support 190 projects that promote economic development, recreation, and climate resiliency along our shoreline.” “It has been an honor to serve as chair of the Seaport Economic Council, a role in which I’ve been able to learn from, partner with, and advance the work of local leaders in communities up and down our coast,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “At our final meeting today we are thrilled to invest over $11 million for projects aimed at protecting and improving our waterfronts.” The Seaport Economic Council was relaunched in August 2015 with a mission to deepen the maritime economy, promote economic development, and support resilient infrastructure in all 78 of the Commonwealth’s coastal communities. The Council awards grant funding to municipalities and other entities in support of projects that promote job creation and economic growth, transformative public-private partnerships, educational opportunities for young people, local economic development planning efforts, coastal infrastructure improvements, and the planning and permitting of saltwater dredging. With this latest round of grants, the Seaport Economic Council has invested over $87 million through 190 grants in 55 coastal communities since being relaunched in 2015. “Under the Baker-Polito Administration, the Seaport Economic Council has made significant investments to help our coastal communities stimulate economic growth now and in the long term,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Today’s awards will modernize and improve access to waterfronts in 20 cities and towns, boosting tourism and commercial activity in these communities.” “Grants from the Seaport Economic Council enable coastal communities to undertake important waterfront improvement projects, from rebuilding infrastructure to planning for future dredging,” said Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba, Vice Chair of the Seaport Economic Council. “With Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito’s leadership, we have invested in 55 cities and towns with the resources they need to support economic growth and build resilience for the future.”
“Improving our marine infrastructure is essential to expanding our blue economy,” said Senator Susan Moran. “This funding will allow Plymouth and Falmouth to improve accessibility to our waterways for both commercial and recreational use and support a thriving industry.”
“I am thrilled to see the Town of Plymouth receive this funding to make improvements to their municipal boat ramp,” said Representative Kathy LaNatra. “Plymouth Harbor is a vibrant hub of economic activity and this investment into such a crucial aspect of it will go a long way to continuing to grow Plymouth Harbor and the surrounding area."
"We are grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and Seaport Economic Council for investing in coastal communities and addressing climate impact," said Representative Mathew Muratore. "We are thrilled that Plymouth will receive much needed funding of $1,000,000 for reconstruction of our town boat ramp to provide options for launching and landing for commercial fishermen and aquaculture growers to better support our blue economy."
“The Commonwealth’s $1 million grant for the Town of Plymouth Boat Ramp will expand the loading and unloading space for commercial fishermen including aquaculture growers. This project will ensure that the Town has the necessary infrastructure to support the industry and to provide stormwater controls which will improve the water quality in the harbor,” said Plymouth Town Manager Derek Brindisi. “The Baker-Polito Administration has supported over $8.1 million in grants for critical harbor infrastructure improvements in the Town of Plymouth. The Town is thankful for the Baker-Polito Administration for prioritizing our region’s Blue Economy”.
Town of Falmouth, $30,000
The Town of Falmouth will use grant funding for the engineering and permitting of repair and improvements at the Town Commercial Fishing pier in Great Harbor Woods Hole.
Town of Plymouth, $1 Million
The Town of Plymouth will use grant funding to reconstruct the dilapidated town boat ramp adjacent to the Maritime Facility and the state boat ramp.
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