Posted on December 19, 2024
MARION — Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman and Harbormaster Adam Murphy are pleased to announce the Town of Marion has been awarded a $150,000 Harbor Management Plan grant from the state.
The Town of Marion will receive one of 10 state grants to support wharf reconstruction, pier replacements, and dredging projects — part of a $3 million Healey-Driscoll Administration initiative to support Massachusetts Coastal Communities.
“This funding will enable the Town to create a strategic vision for its harbor, ensuring its long-term sustainability and economic vitality,” Harbormaster Murphy said.
The Town plans to use the grant funds to hire a consulting team to assist in crafting a comprehensive harbor plan for the Town. The consultant will provide expertise in waterfront development, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder coordination to ensure a balanced and sustainable vision for the harbor’s future.
“This grant is a significant investment in the future of Marion’s harbor,” Harbormaster Murphy said. “The Harbor Management Plan will provide a roadmap for sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and economic growth.
Earlier this week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $3,285,664 in blue economy grants for 10 projects to “support the economic vitality, tourism, and ecosystem health of Massachusetts’ waterfronts and harbors while helping the state reach its ambitious climate resiliency goals.”
“Coastal communities play a critical role in our economy,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “The Seaport Economic Council grants help cities and towns make infrastructure improvements to prepare for extreme weather caused by climate change while also investing in important blue economy businesses, commercial fishing operations, and tourist and recreational enterprises.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announced the grants during a meeting of the Seaport Economic Council at the State House Tuesday. The announcement followed a ceremonial signing of the Mass Leads Act, an economic development bill that includes a $100 million reauthorization of the Seaport Economic Council.
“The Seaport Economic Council provides critical funding to improve our waterfronts, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and support economic growth along our coasts,” said Lt. Gov. Driscoll, who also serves as Chair of the Seaport Economic Council. “We are proud to work with Massachusetts’ 78 coastal communities to move key blue economy projects forward. These investments in our coastal communities will help them maintain and improve their harbors for commercial fishing, recreational, and other blue economy uses.”
“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration along with the Seaport Economic Council for this award and we look forward to starting this comprehensive management plan,” said Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman.
According to Harbormaster Murphy, the Harbor Management Plan will address a range of critical issues, including:
- Infrastructure Improvements: Identifying necessary upgrades to piers, docks, and other harbor facilities to accommodate future growth and changing needs.
- Environmental Protection: Developing strategies to protect water quality, marine habitats, and coastal ecosystems.
- Economic Development: Exploring opportunities to attract new businesses, support existing maritime industries, and promote recreational boating and tourism.
- Public Access: Enhancing public access to the waterfront, including boat ramps, walking paths, and recreational areas.
- Emergency Preparedness: Developing emergency response plans and protocols to address potential hazards such as storms, oil spills, and other marine emergencies.
“The Town will engage with stakeholders, including local businesses, residents, and recreational users, to gather input and ensure the plan reflects the community’s vision for the harbor,” Harbormaster Murphy said. “The plan will be developed in collaboration with marine engineers, environmental scientists, and other experts.”
Harbor masters from Massachusetts Coastal Communities gathered on Beacon Hill as the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $3 million to support wharf reconstruction, pier replacements, and dredging projects. (Photo courtesy Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development)
