Baker-Polito Administration Announces Federal Funds for North Shore Boating Projects

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Federal Funds for

North Shore Boating Projects

BOSTON - April 30, 2015 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that more than $1 million has been awarded to the communities of Newburyport, Gloucester and Manchester-by-the-Sea through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program to construct facilities that will improve port access for transient recreational boaters. 

“These grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will significantly benefit the economies of these coastal communities by allowing for more access to transient boaters,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to partner with Newburyport, Gloucester and Manchester-by-the-Sea in our efforts to improve Massachusetts’ coastal infrastructure and tourist economy.”

“I would like to recognize the municipalities of Newburyport, Gloucester, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, along with the staff in our Division of Marine Fisheries, who worked so hard to secure these funds and make these projects possible,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner George Peterson. “These are great projects that will improve our recreational boating opportunities and greatly benefit these North Shore communities.”

The nationally competitive grant program, administered in Massachusetts by the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Marine Fisheries, awarded the Commonwealth with a total of $1,072,211. Eligible projects must construct, renovate or maintain boating infrastructure facilities and associated amenities for transient recreational boats at least 26 feet long.

The City of Newburyport was awarded $448,059 and will provide $232,000 in matching funds and services to construct a transient boater visitor’s center that will include showers, toilets, laundry facilities, dock space for dinghies, and six moorings.

The City of Gloucester was awarded $263,930, and will contribute an additional $263, 975 in matching funds in partnership with National Grid and the Seaport Advisory Council for improvements at Solomon Jacob’s Park. Gloucester’s project will create a new float system and include 144 feet of dockage for dinghies; 205 feet of dockage for passenger drop-off, pick-up, and short-term tie-up; an 80-foot gangway compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; and an arched aluminum access bridge.

The Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea was awarded $360,222. The town and local partners will provide $133,513 in matching funds and services. Manchester-by-the-Sea will use the funds to create transient boater access as part of a new float system at Reed Park, providing a new ADA compliant ramp and tie-ups for ten recreational vessels that are 26 feet or longer and their dinghies.

“Working with the Baker-Polito Administration, these three communities will leverage local contributions along with more than $1 million in US Fish and Wildlife funding,” said State Senator Bruce Tarr. “This partnership with local, state and federal officials will pay dividends for boating access which will ultimately enhance safety and promote recreational use.”

“I want to thank the Baker Administration for recognizing Gloucester Harbor as an important economic asset,” said State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante. “With these funds, Gloucester will be able to promote tourism, welcome transient boaters, and open the harbor up for residents and visitors alike.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for Manchester-by-the-Sea,” said State Representative Brad Hill.  “This grant funding will provide for improved access to recreational boating and will help to stimulate the local economy by drawing more tourists to the town and its waterfront area.”