Governor Visits WHOI in Support of Blue Economy Showcase

CCB MEDIA PHOTO
Gov. Charlie Baker

WOODS HOLE – Governor Charlie Baker appeared at the Blue Economy briefing and technology showcase Tuesday.

The governor has sided with efforts which encourage economic development in the past. Earlier this year, a state funded grant totaling $180,000 was awarded to the Cape Cod Commission and Chamber of Commerce for their Blue Economy initiative.

The program seeks to expand and diversify the Cape’s regional economy beyond seasonal tourism and create a future based on a marine economy.

Baker commented that the return on investment Woods Hole has garnered the state is worth exploring a similar economy for the Cape as a whole.

“The marine science center has attracted $15 million in private investment, I think it’s a tremendous opportunity for us to continue to build on the success that they’ve already demonstrated,” Baker said.

Baker echoed other sentiments that Woods Hole stands as the “Silicon Valley of Marine Science.”

This marriage of marine science and technology is what the Blue Economy initiative hopes to foster, and what was displayed at the event Baker attended.

The Chamber of Commerce and Cape Cod Commission also hope to tackle the region’s top issues, such as wastewater management and sea level rise.