Lieutenant Governor Murray Attends Ribbon Cutting for Lobsterman's Landing
State and local funding help maintain dock services
SAUGUS - Wednesday, December 9, 2009 - Continuing with the Patrick-Murray Administration's support for economic development and infrastructure improvements, Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray joined with legislators, municipal officials, fishermen and local residents today for a ribbon cutting for the new Lobsterman's Landing on Ballard Street in Saugus.
Located along the Saugus River, Lobsterman's Landing serves as a docking and off-loading facility for the area's lobster boat fleet. Due to ice destruction and an aging infrastructure, improvements to this facility, funded by the Massachusetts Seaport Advisory Council (SAC) which Lieutenant Governor Murray chairs, have helped to maintain jobs at the facility and support commercial fishing in the region.
"The commercial fishing industry is an asset for the Town of Saugus and the entire region," said Lieutenant Governor Murray. "By partnering with the town, public funds were secured to help restore critical infrastructure at Lobsterman's Landing, a major component for economic development that will help boost the local and regional economy during a very critical time."
In 2007, the Council approved funding for improvements to the site following review of a town-commissioned report, which indicated the structural integrity of the existing infrastructure was in jeopardy and in need of repair.
The Massachusetts Seaport Advisory Council provides funding to municipalities through the Environmental Bond Bill. The Council allocated $550,000 for this project to support the improvements which were completed recently. The Town of Saugus will contribute twenty percent of the cost.
The project was completed in two phases. The first phase included improvements to the landside infrastructure of the site, such as installation of new fencing and lighting as well as new bathroom amenities and security cameras that will make the site more secure and comfortable for users. The second phase focused on the waterside infrastructure which is critical to the year round commercial fishing at the site. Second phase improvements included installation of steel piles, aluminum ramps, concrete floats, and electric power. The new, reinforced piers will provide protection from ice build up along the river, which was problematic for the facility's infrastructure in past winters.
"This project is a great example of using state funds to support and enhance the lobster industry in Saugus. Stimulating the private fishing industry and rebuilding needed infrastructure is important in these tough economic times," added Senator Thomas M. McGee.
"Residents and commercial fishing businesses in Saugus and across the region will benefit from the years of planning and hard work that culminate in these vital improvements to Lobsterman's Landing. Lt. Governor Murray, the SAC, and the many local and state officials that have dedicated years to make this project a reality should be applauded," said Senator Anthony D. Galluccio.
Representative Reinstein noted, "The result of this state/local partnership is not only of significant importance and assistance to the local commercial fishing industry, but also a boon for local economic development here in Saugus. This project has come to fruition at a vital time."
"These valuable improvements, both landside and seaside, to the new Lobster's Landing are a significant boost to our economic development and to the Saugus commercial economy," said Representative Mark Falzone. "Especially important in current conditions, these enhancements will help provide and preserve the local jobs we all want to keep for Saugus."
The Seaport Advisory Council consists of 15 members including cabinet secretaries, agency heads, mayors from seaport communities, and regional and waterway user representatives. Under the Patrick-Murray Administration, the Seaport Council has allocated over $25 million to projects in Massachusetts to enhance and develop the commercial aspects of the ports and harbors in the Commonwealth's coastal communities.
Visit www.mass.gov/governor/seaport for more information about the work of the Seaport Advisory Council.
###