The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Department
State House Boston, MA 02133
(617) 725-4000
MITT ROMNEY
GOVERNOR
KERRY HEALEY
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 5, 2004 CONTACT:
Eric Fehrnstrom
Nicole St. Peter
617-725-4025
Rick Armstrong
508-999-3030
HEALEY DELIVERS $5 MILLION FOR NEW BEDFORD/FAIRHAVEN HARBOR
Dredge project will sustain existing businesses and jumpstart future opportunities
NEW BEDFORD - Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today announced a significant step toward the revitalization of the Port of New Bedford/Fairhaven with a $5 million Seaport Council grant to dredge the harbor.
Healey, joined by local officials and members of the Legislative delegation, emphasized the importance of the dredge project. “Like our interstates, ocean highways provide a public purpose critical to the vitality of our economy. As chair of the Seaport Council, I could not be more pleased to support this essential economic development dredging project,” said Healey.
The $5 million Seaport Council grant will make it possible to dredge the berths of the North Terminal, which is critical for the continued success of existing businesses and the recruitment of new seaport industry companies.
“Today's announcement of funding by the Seaport Advisory Council once again demonstrates the commitment of the Commonwealth to work with industrial ports in Massachusetts to rebuild our marine infrastructure which is one of our most valuable highways of commerce,” said Mayor Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. “It would not be possible had it not been for the strong and cooperative efforts of Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management, DEP, NOAA, the EPA, the Army Corp of Engineers and the City of New Bedford and once again demonstrates that through strong partnerships we can continue to rebuild our transportation infrastructure in an environmentally sensitive fashion.”
The city is partnering with the ongoing EPA Superfund Dredge project to implement the most cost-effective and expedient dredging project possible. This project will remove 85,000 cubic yards of material to improve the channel for maritime commercial commerce. This sediment is contaminated, but not considered to be at superfund levels.
“New Bedford possess one of the nation’s most productive and protected deep water ports,” said Senator Mark C. Montigny (D-New Bedford). “Our efforts these last few years have brought the excitement of fast ferries and the benefit of significant job creation. Dredging the harbor and improving infrastructure will only enhance our working waterfront.”
Once this project is completed, New Bedford and the entire region will have greater potential for full access to the global marketplace and expanded shipyard activities. The project is critical to the continuance and growth of existing businesses now severely restricted because of the lack of water depths.
“New Bedford will be poised to become part of the emerging “Short Sea” network,” said Healey. “The restoration of coastal shipping will help take trucks off our overcrowded highways, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.”
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