Executive Order  No. 649: Reestablishing The Seaport Economic Council

WHEREAS, Massachusetts has a rich and enduring maritime tradition deeply embedded in its history, economy, and culture; 

WHEREAS, this tradition spans from early fishing and shipbuilding to offshore wind generation and beyond, shaping the state’s identity and amplifying our role in global trade; 

WHEREAS, fishing, seafood processing, shipping, offshore energy development, water-based transportation, marine science and technology, recreational boating and other maritime activities are core drivers of the Massachusetts economy, contributing to economic growth and job creation;

WHEREAS, continued investment in Massachusetts seaports and coastal communities is vital to unlock the full potential of the state’s maritime economy;

WHEREAS, public investment in the development and maintenance of Massachusetts seaports and maritime infrastructure is crucial for expanding our role in international trade and maintaining the supply chains that support economic growth and resiliency in New England;

WHEREAS, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to moving the Massachusetts maritime economy forward and preserving and uplifting our coastal communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, Part 2, c. 2, § I, Art. I, do hereby revoke Executive Order Nos. 376, 564, and 587 and order as follows: 

Section 1.  There is hereby established a Seaport Economic Council to advise the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor on actions needed to support the continued growth and resilience of the maritime economy in Massachusetts, and to coordinate coastal community planning and investment activities statewide, with the aims of stimulating economic development and creating jobs in the maritime economy as well as protecting and enhancing the coastal assets that are vital to achieving these aims.

Section 2.  The Council shall consist of the following members: the Lieutenant Governor, who shall serve as chair; the Secretary of Economic Development or their designee, who shall serve as vice chair; the Secretary of Transportation or their designee; the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs or their designee; the Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance or their designee; the Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Port Authority or their designee; at least 5 representatives of coastal communities, who shall be appointed by the Governor; and at least 4 representatives of trade associations representing the maritime economy, who shall be appointed by the Governor. Five of the representatives of coastal communities shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the respective Mayors of the Cities of Boston, Fall River, Gloucester, New Bedford, and Salem. All members so appointed to the Council shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, in an advisory capacity and without compensation. 

Section 3.  The Council shall enable a statewide growth strategy for the maritime economic sector, including the use of Designated Port Areas (DPA), dredging projects, recreational boating and coastal tourism, water transportation, and the fishing and seafood industries. The Council shall advise the Governor on strategies for aligning state economic development programs and regulations impacting coastal communities with the recommended growth strategy.

Section 4.  The Council shall administer a capital grant program for municipalities and other public entities, to the extent authorized by the Legislature and allocated to the Council. Such grants shall support coastal community development, economic planning, and investment activities, with the twin aims of stimulating sustainable economic development and creating jobs in the maritime economy. In issuing such grants, the Council shall consider the best available science regarding potential threats to coastal communities from rising sea levels and extreme weather events to ensure the sustainability and resilience of projects in which the Council invests.

Section 5.  The Secretary of Economic Development shall designate staff to support the work of the Council. Such staff may attend Council meetings as observers and participate at the discretion of the chair. Other departments, agencies, boards, and commissions involved in coastal community planning and investment and subject to the Governor’s control shall provide administrative and technical support to the Council as may be requested by the chair.

Section 6.  The Council shall meet as often as the chair directs, but no fewer than once a year. The Council shall, at appropriate intervals, submit formal written reports to the Governor, summarizing the Council’s work and recommendations.

Section 7.  This Executive Order shall take effect upon execution and shall continue in effect until amended, superseded, or revoked by subsequent Executive Order.