Cape Cod Towns Share $3.6 Million in Marine Economy Grants

QUINCY – Barnstable, Wareham and Harwich are among five towns in the state getting a share of $3.6 million dollars awarded by the governor’s office to take on challenges in the marine economy in the state.

The Seaport Economic Council approved the money at a meeting this week along with an additional $500,000 available to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to support innovative solutions for marine and coastal communities.

“The Seaport Economic Council is a vital resource for our coastal communities and we are proud of the work it has done since 2015,” said Lt. Governor Karen Polito. “The Council has invested $28 million in critical infrastructure, economic development and climate resiliency projects in 36 coastal communities to support the unique challenges of our cities and towns with significant marine assets.”

Barnstable will receive $300,000 which will help firefighters improve training for shipboard emergencies through the use of a simulator.

Harwich is receiving $1,000,000 which will go toward the Saquatucket Harbor landslide renovation project as well as fund a new Harbormaster Office with expanded restroom facilities for staff and the general public.

That project also includes a snack building to be leased to a private operator as well as seasonal booths to be used by local vendors and artists.

Wareham will get $350,000 to assist the town in renovating the Historic Onset Bathhouse. Also receiving funds from the grant are Quincy and New Bedford.

 

Seaport Economic Council Awards:

Barnstable, Fire and Rescue Training Academy – $300,000

SEC funds will contribute toward the cost of a simulator for its shipboard firefighting training program to support the state’s commercial and recreational boating industry and its seaside communities. The simulator will provide maritime professionals and land-based firefighters hands-on experience with marine-related fires and suppression tactics.

Harwich, Saquatucket Harbor Landslide Renovation – $1,000,000

SEC grant will help fund the construction of a new Harbormaster Office building with expanded restroom facilities for both the public and slip permit holders. The project will also include a space for a snack building to be leased to a private operator, as well as seasonal booths to be leased and operated by local vendors and artisans.

New Bedford, New Bedford HDC Central Command Center – $1,000,000

SEC funds will help fund the construction of a command center for police and fire marine personnel, and create a response/training room for port personnel to ensure coordinated and efficient communications between all agencies responsible for daily port operations and emergency response. With the increased shipping activity as a result of the state’s investment in refrigeration of the State Pier, and the growing maritime economy of the city, it is important to protect vital economic assets in case of marine emergency. 

Quincy, Quincy Maritime Center – $1,000,000

As a next phase of a 2016 SEC grant for the design of the Houghs Neck Maritime Center, this round’s SEC funds will to the final design, bidding, and construction of the facility. The future facility will provide for safe, public, municipal, and emergency access to the water of Houghs Neck, improve the climate change resiliency of the site, provide improved stormwater treatment, improve public safety support infrastructure, and enhance the safety and accessibility of the site. The project will also address ADA compliance and accessibility.

Wareham, Onset Bathhouse Rehabilitation – $350,000

SEC funds will contribute toward renovation costs of the Historic Onset Bathhouse as Headquarters of the Onset Bay Center. The future center is aimed to be a headquarters, community learning center, and boat storage facility. The Center will provide high‐quality on‐the‐water exploration programs for thousands of people every year and engage with community members of all ages and abilities in a variety of activities focused on building a connection with Buzzards Bay.

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