- Executive Office of Economic Development
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Meggie Quackenbush, Director of Communications
Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the opening of the FY2026 round of the Seaport Economic Council Grant Program, which is administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development and provides funding to support working waterfronts, local tourism, coastal resiliency, and maritime innovation across Massachusetts’ coastal region.
“In Massachusetts, our coastal communities are economic engines and cultural treasures,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through the Seaport Economic Council, we’re investing in infrastructure, innovation and resiliency to help these communities succeed for generations to come. This year, we’re especially encouraging proposals that leverage advanced technologies to drive economic growth and protect our coastal assets.”
The Seaport Economic Council serves all 78 of Massachusetts’ coastal communities by making strategic investments in projects that grow and sustain the maritime economy. EOED updated the grant categories for this round to focus investment on projects that leverage local and regional economic opportunities and support innovation. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that incorporate the deployment, testing and development of advanced technologies.
“From small fishing towns to deep-water ports, each of our coastal communities plays a vital role in the state’s economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, chair of the Seaport Economic Council. “With the new funding categories and an emphasis on innovation, this round of grants will help communities take bold steps to modernize their infrastructure, support maritime industries, and prepare for the challenges of a changing climate.”
“Our maritime economy is a critical driver of regional prosperity, and the Seaport Economic Council is one of our most important tools for strengthening it,” said Interim Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba. “By supporting projects that enhance infrastructure, boost tourism, and integrate cutting-edge technologies, we’re helping our coastal communities compete and thrive.”
EOED will accept applications through the Seaport Economic Council website for coastal infrastructure projects that are ready to begin in FY26. Applications are due by Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
About the Seaport Economic Council
The Seaport Economic Council advances the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s support for all 78 of Massachusetts’ coastal communities and residents across the state by leveraging unique economic assets to drive sustainable regional growth. The Council’s capital grant program supports working waterfronts, local tourism, coastal resiliency, and maritime innovation, from the North Shore to Cape Cod and the South Coast. Since August 2015, the Seaport Economic Council has invested more than $93 million in the state's coastal communities.
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