Posted on August 8, 2018
The town has cut the ribbon on a $1.5 million harbor-dredging project.
Wielding the scissors, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said she hoped “to create a framework going forward so that more of these efforts get the funding needed to enhance our waterways and ensure they are accessible to all.”
Manchester’s harbor supports industry and leisure. It lands around $6 million worth of lobsters each year, and its two marinas employ about 75 people and moorings for more than 1,000 boats.
Today’s event, which was held at noon at Reed Park, marked the completion of a year-long project to remove 4,676 cubic yards of harbor sediment.
It will restore the depth of the harbor to a minimum of eight feet at low tide.
Manchester-by-the-Sea received $500,000 in state funding to help complete the project — the first dredging grant awarded by the Baker-Polito Administration through the MassWorks Program.
The town also invested $1 million into the endeavor.
“This project is all about partnership. Starting with the state’s support through a MassWorks grant to the team that delivered this project on time speaks to a great result for all,” said Susan Beckmann, chair of the Manchester Board of Selectmen.
“It is great to be here today celebrating the completion of the Manchester Harbor dredging project. This is a vital initiative for the community … and all those who utilize its waterways, both commercially and recreationally,” said Rep. Bradford Hill.
Courtesy photo
“Funding to support dredging brings significant benefit to the local maritime economy,” said Bion Pike, Manchester’s harbormaster.
It let the town “implement important marine infrastructure projects benefiting local businesses, recreational boaters, and commercial fishermen,” he added.
During the event, Polito also announced the grant round opening of the 2018 Navigational Dredging Pilot Program.
The MassWorks Infrastructure Program has allotted 5 percent of its $80 million fiscal 2018 bond cap to help fund dredging projects in the Commonwealth’s coastal towns.
Projects will be evaluated based on readiness, direct economic impact and local match. The goal is for this funding to be used for smaller ocean-front project.
Source: The Local Ne.ws
