State Awards $325,000 to New Bedford/Fairhaven for Port Planning

October 24, 1996
Contact: Anne Donovan
(617) 727-9530 x411

Trudy Coxe, Secretary of Environmental Affairs, awarded $325,000 today to New Bedford and Fairhaven to develop a port master plan. This is the first grant for port plan development financed under the Seaport Bond. The Secretary presented the award to New Bedford Mayor Rosemary Tierney and Fairhaven Selectman Robert Hamilton at Tonnesson Memorial Park. The New Bedford Harbor port plan will provide a well-coordinated and enduring revitalization of one of the state's most important ports.

"Developing a port plan for New Bedford Harbor is a key recommendation of the Weld/Cellucci Seaport Action Plan," said Secretary Coxe. "I am thrilled to be able to get the ball rolling by presenting these Seaport Bond funds to New Bedford and Fairhaven."

The New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor Master Planning Committee, which includes representatives of all key waterfront interests, will hire and oversee a contractor to develop the port plan. Over the past year, the Committee has worked in partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management to create a Scope, which will serve as the blueprint for plan development. The New Bedford/Fairhaven Scope was the first to be completed by a major port in Massachusetts and is serving as a model for the state's three other major ports outside of Boston Harbor.

"The scoping process has set the stage for the development of an effective port plan that will balance competing interests and make New Bedford Harbor thrive," explained Mayor Tierney. "I look forward to forging ahead with the port plan so that we can move on to implementing the recommendations that will make a difference in the Harbor."

"Fairhaven has aggressively been working with New Bedford to make the port plan a reality," said Jeffrey Osuch, Fairhaven Executive Secretary. "The New Bedford Harbor master plan will have a very positive impact on both communities."

The New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor Master Planning Committee will hire a consultant to develop the port plan and work is expected to begin in December. Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management will continue to work with the Planning Committee and to provide guidance during plan development.

"The overwhelming support for the passage of the Seaport Bond Bill underscores the importance of port development in the Commonwealth," emphasized Peg Brady, Director of MCZM. "MCZM will do everything in our power to expedite port planning to help our major port communities prepare for the 21st Century."