Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito of Massachusetts announced $3.6 million earlier this week to support ten projects for the upcoming dredging season.
These grants, awarded through the 2018 Navigational Dredging Pilot Program will benefit eleven communities, tapping into another $3.9 million in local funding. The projects are expected to remove nearly 188,000 cubic yards of harbor sediment.
“ The new Navigational Dredging Pilot Program is the direct result of outreach by municipal leaders in our coastal communities, and the collaborative, responsive efforts of Secretary Jay Ash and his team, ” said Governor Charlie Baker . “Through the economic development package we signed earlier this month, our Administration will create a dedicated dredging program to continue to support the economic and environmental needs of our maritime communities. ”
“Through the Seaport Economic Council, our Administration has worked closely with the 78 Massachusetts coastal communities, gaining a deeper understanding of the unique necessities of the maritime economy and environmental challenges ,” said Lt. Governor Polito . “ For dredging here in the Commonwealth, I am thrilled to announce these high-impact awards, which will enhance the capacity of our waterways, improve access in our harbors, and address environmental concerns up and down our coastline.”
“I want to thank the Baker-Polito administration for their continued commitment to the important issues facing us here on Cape Cod, ” said Representative Timothy R. Whelan . “ The Bass River is not only one of the Commonwealth’s most beautiful treasures, but it is an economic driver for our region. Generations have enjoyed navigating this river through to Nantucket Sound and these grant monies will greatly aid the Town of Yarmouth in keeping this important waterway safely navigable”
Dredging grants will be administrated through the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, with coordination from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and the Office of Coastal Zone Management.
Awardees: