Washington, D.C. – February 29, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — Four local projects that Rep. Bill Keating advanced with the Army Corps of Engineers have been funded in the Army Corps’ New England District work plan for 2016. The proposed projects, which are listed below and total over $2.3 million, are located in Marshfield, Duxbury, Plymouth, and Chatham.
“From severe weather patterns to rising sea levels, our district – with the most coastline in the state – is at greatest risk and vulnerability to these impacts as well as natural erosion,” said Congressman Keating. “My staff and I are in constant contact with the Army Corps regarding necessary projects and we are acutely aware of the repairs and renovations needed to many of our beaches and harbors. From maintenance dredging to emergency work, the Army Corps is a critical partner in addressing the associated risks and plays an important role in preserving our navigational channels for both commerce and recreation. We have seen all too often the impacts of coastal erosion on our roadways, public infrastructure and private property. These four projects, which are slated to be completed this year, are a step in the right direction to protect our coastline and harbors.”
Rep. Keating also acknowledged the advocacy of local and state officials, including State Reps. Sarah Peake, Jim Cantwell, and Josh Cutler, who have made a strong case for federal support of these vital projects.
“Marshfield’s Green Harbor is one of the most productive seafood ports in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a tremendously valuable asset for recreational boaters as well,” said State Rep. Jim Cantwell. “This jetty provides essential infrastructure support that enables commercial and recreational boaters alike to better access Green Harbor. Without the jetty the Green Harbor federal channel could become entirely blocked by sand and ocean sediment. I’m grateful for the continued personal attention that Congressman Bill Keating and his staff bring to our critical infrastructure needs and appreciate their swift action in securing one million dollars to make repairs to the jetty. I also appreciate the time and effort the Congressman has dedicated to reviewing longer term design options and solutions to prevent shoaling in this federal channel, working with the Army Corps and with our local professionals – Captain of the Port Phil Tavares, Harbormaster Mike DiMeo, and the Marshfield Commercial Fishermen Association, among others.”
“I would like to personally thank State Representative Cantwell and Congressman Keating for their hard work in helping to secure coastal infrastructure funding,” said Marshfield Harbormaster Mike DiMeo. “I applaud the USACE New England region for the continued push for programming funding for smaller port projects and helping to keep Marshfield’s Green Harbor an economically viable commercial port that currently ranks #3 for offloads of Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna and #4 for offloads of American Lobsters in of all Massachusetts. This funding will surely help to repair our coastal infrastructure and dredging.”
“Stage Harbor is important to the commercial fishing and shellfishing fleets so the availability of federal funding to maintain the channel is welcome news,” said Jill Goldsmith, Chatham Town Manager. “Stage Harbor provides access to off-loading and fueling facilities and provides safe harbor for vessels during severe storm events. The Town is grateful that funds could be secured to once again allow the Army Corps to undertake the important work of maintaining viable access.”
2016 Projects Funded for MA09
MARSHFIELD – $1 million to repair the east jetty at Green Harbor that was damaged during Winter Storm Juno.
DUXBURY – $200K to finalize the dredging of Duxbury Harbor, which was recently completed.
PLYMOUTH – $600K to repair coastal protective infrastructure at Long Beach.
CHATHAM – $540K for the dredging of Chatham Stage Harbor.
