By Gayla Cawley
SWAMPSCOTT — A $50,000 grant will help planners imagine the harbor’s future with the vision of encouraging waterfront development.
Town Administrator Thomas Younger said the study’s goal includes maintaining the waterfront’s scenic character, increasing public access, encouraging economic development and identifying ways to improve the infrastructure.
“This will go a long way as we look at improving the character and economic base of our community,” he said.
Younger said future improvements could include walkways and pier upgrades. The harbor plan is part of an effort to make Swampscott a destination community like Gloucester, he added.
Swampscott was one of nine municipalities, colleges and institutes that were awarded $2.9 million in maritime funding by the Seaport Economic Council, which is administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.
The competitive grants are distributed to grow the maritime economy and support job creation in coastal communities.
“Supporting local planning efforts helps our coastal communities leverage their existing assets to create jobs and grow businesses,” said Carolyn Kirk, deputy secretary of housing and economic development and vice-chair of the seaport economic council, in a statement.
“Swampscott’s efforts to identify and prioritize coastal infrastructure improvements that will support development while maintaining the scenic public waterfront will help the town realize sustainable economic growth.”
State Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead) said the grant will improve the state’s best natural resource, the waterfront, and maximize the harbor’s full potential for the benefit of the town’s residents and visitors.
“I’m thrilled that Swampscott has been awarded this important grant, which will allow the town to prepare for inevitable changes to our shoreline in the coming decades, and protect one of the most beautiful and historic parts of our state,” said Ehrlich in an email.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.