LYNN ― The Baker-Polito administration will be responsible for another set of improvements to Massachusetts’ coastal cities and towns, including Lynn.
The administration has announced more than $6.7 million in Seaport Economic Council (SEC) grants to 14 coastal communities to help advance projects that benefit commercial maritime industries, improve resident and visitor access to waterfront assets, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and advance future dredging.
Lynn received $210,000 for its Rehabilitation and Restoration of Lynn Municipal Marina Design, Engineering and Permitting Project.
This funding will support engineering and permitting for the restoration of the marina at Seaport Landing, a project that is part of the city’s larger plan to reconnect its harbor-front to the rest of the city.
The grants for 16 coastal projects were approved last Thursday at a meeting of the SEC held at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and chaired by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.
Polito said the SEC’s work is more important than ever, as the state addresses the challenges of pandemic recovery as well as climate change.
“Our administration is pleased to award $6.7 million toward projects up and down our coast, and build on the partnerships that will continue to lead to economic vitality and preserve natural resources for future generations to enjoy,” Polito said.
With these grants, Gov. Charlie Baker said the partnership with these communities can continue to support key industries and the economic activity they generate.
“The commonwealth’s coastal communities greatly contribute to our statewide economy,” Baker said. “Through the Seaport Economic Council, we continue to invest in the infrastructure that boosts working waterfronts, protects natural assets, and improves access for residents and visitors.”
The SEC serves the 78 Massachusetts’ diverse coastal communities and awards grant funding to support projects that promote job creation and economic growth, transformative public-private partnerships, educational opportunities for young people, local economic development planning efforts, coastal infrastructure improvements, and the planning and permitting of saltwater dredging.
Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy ― who visited Lynn in early August to discuss the challenges faced by small business owners during the pandemic ― said these grants will go a long way.
“Understanding the importance of the commonwealth’s maritime activities, these grants will … repair, replace, upgrade, and modernize our coastal infrastructure ensuring this sector of the economy continues to grow and thrive,” Kennealy said.
Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba ― who visited Lynn in August with Kennealy ― said she and Kennealy are “proud to continue the administration’s commitment to partnering with communities to build and maintain the infrastructure of today and plan for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.”
The Seaport Economic Council was relaunched by the Baker-Polito administration in 2015 and has since invested about $64 million, through 138 grants in 51 coastal communities.
The Baker-Polito administration said it will continue to provide resources and programs, like SEC grants, to ensure that coastal communities can “improve, strengthen, and safeguard the commonwealth’s unique coastal assets.”