For Immediate Release

November 1, 2006

Contact:

Vanessa Gulati

617-626-1119

STATE ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF

MUNICIPAL SEAWALL REPAIR GRANTS

Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) Secretary Robert W. Golledge and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Stephen H. Burrington today announced the recipients of the Municipal Seawall Repair grant funded through a one-time $5 million legislative appropriation in the FY 2006 supplemental budget. The grant program specifically targets urgently needed seawall repair projects that will reduce public safety threats.

“Our coastline is an asset to our Commonwealth and must be preserved and protected,” said Golledge. “These grants will enable costal communities to protect their shores and ensure public safety.”

Funds provided for each seawall repair project will be matched by the local municipality. In total, the program will aid in the construction of approximately $10 million of seawall repairs along the 1,500 miles of the Commonwealth’s coastline. Seventeen projects in 12 communities have been selected to receive grants. These communities include: Boston, Bourne, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hull, Marshfield, Oak Bluffs, Peabody, Salem, Scituate, Wellfleet and Winthrop. The selection reflects both the diversity of coastal areas and the diversity of coastal protection structures in the Commonwealth.

Grant funds may only be used for actual construction, and will be provided on a reimbursement basis. The construction projects must be completed by June 30, 2007 in order to be eligible for funds. The grant program is being administered by DCR’s Office of Waterways, whose staff will be available to municipalities to provide technical assistance and advice.

“This grant program will allow a number of communities to conduct immediate structural repairs to key municipal seawalls,” said DCR Commissioner Stephen H. Burrington. “DCR recognizes that the public is greatly concerned with the state of public infrastructure, and we are pleased to assist these communities in repairing their seawalls.”

A full list of grant projects and projected funding amounts to be provided by the grant program is attached.

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