BOSTON, MA – Today, the Town of Cohasset was awarded two Seaport Economic Council (SEC) Grants, totaling $330,000, to advance projects updating the Government Island Wharf and the Parker Ave. Boat Ramp. The announcement comes after the SEC, chaired by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, met to review and approve over $7.8 million in grants to coastal communities.
Cohasset was awarded a $160,000 grant to support permitting and engineering services related to infrastructure upgrades to improve commercial fishing access to the government Island Wharf and increase economic growth in the community. The Town of Cohasset’s Municipal Harbor Plan details recommendations for improvements for the Government Island Wharf, including rebuilding the pier to include a conveyor system and hydraulic lift designed to ease the loading of commercial fishing equipment.
The second grant award of $170,000 will be used to fund remaining permitting and engineering services related to the replacement of the Parker Avenue Boat Ramp to improve access for both commercial and public recreational boating, making the project “shovel-ready” when construction funds become available. This project is in line with recommendations made in the Town’s Municipal Harbor Plan, and all related work will be overseen by the Cohasset Harbor Committee.
“In the spring of last year, the Town unveiled their Municipal Harbor Plan and since then we’ve been working together to secure the funding needed to advance their vision,” said Senator O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “This round of funding will allow Cohasset to take the first steps in their plan and will benefit those that live and work on the South Shore.”
“State economic investments in our working waters coastline translate into local and regional jobs as well as increased public access to natural resources,” said Representative Meschino (D-Hull). “These two grants will help support our local fishermen and provide for public enjoyment of Cohasset Harbor.”
“We are all very excited about these grants, which will benefit both our commercial fishing fleet and the regular recreational users of Cohasset Harbor,” said Cohasset Town Manager, Chris Senior. “These two projects represent concrete action that will transform the goals of the Town’s Municipal Harbor Plan into critically needed improvements to our waterways. Many thanks to all the Town staff and volunteers who made these applications possible, and to the Seaport Economic Council for their ongoing support.”
The SEC advances the Baker-Polito Administration’s support for communities and residents across the state by leveraging unique economic assets to drive sustainable regional growth. The council was re-launched in August 2015, with a mission to grow the maritime economy, promote economic development, and support resilient infrastructure in all 78 of Massachusetts’ coastal communities, while preparing them to respond to the challenges posed by rising sea levels and increasingly powerful coastal storms. The council’s capital grant program supports working waterfronts, local tourism, coastal resiliency, and maritime innovation, from the North Shore to Cape Cod and the South Coast.
Investments in coastal communities are crucial to Massachusetts’ economy, safety, and environment. The Baker-Polito Administration will continue to provide resources and programs, like Seaport Economic Council grants and MassWorks infrastructure awards, to ensure that coastal communities can improve, strengthen, and protect the Commonwealth’s coastal assets.