July 24, 2019 information provided by The Town of Hingham
Pictured above Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Ken Corson, Hingham Harbormaster
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Town Manager Thomas Mayo and other state and local officials to announce $3.6 million in Massachusetts Dredging Program grants to four communities, including a $2 million award for work on Hingham’s Inner Harbor.
“The vitality of the Commonwealth’s coastal communities is an integral part of Massachusetts’ blue economy, and the state’s economy as a whole,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The success of last year’s pilot dredging program highlighted the impact of investing in locally focused initiatives, and led us to create the Massachusetts Dredging Program to continue to support the unique priorities of seaside cities and towns.”
“We are excited to establish this important new economic tool, which will have a direct impact on Massachusetts coastal communities like Hingham, Beverly, Chatham and Dennis,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As chair of the Seaport Council Chairwoman, I have seen the tremendous effect dedicated dredging and coastal assistance funds can have on our maritime economy and we are committed to doing more through this new funding source.”
In March, the Baker-Polito Administration announced its first standalone grant program offering $4 million in focused funding for saltwater dredging on a competitive, annual basis. Dredging assistance is vital to help coastal communities to maintain and improve their navigational waterways and support the long-term growth and sustainability of the state’s maritime economy.
“The Massachusetts Dredging Program is an important economic catalyst for the Commonwealth’s blue economy,’ said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Responsive programs such as the new Massachusetts Dredging Program will allow cities and towns from Hingham to New Bedford and all along our coastline to maintain their rich maritime traditions and expand our coastal economies.”
The Hingham Inner Harbor dredging project will remove an estimated 62,000 cubic yards of sediment from the Hingham Inner Harbor, enabling all-tide use of a regionally significant boat ramp. It is one of only three ramps operated by the Massachusetts Office of Fishing & Boating Access that provides access to the Boston Harbor.
Today’s grant builds on past state investment in Hingham. In 2016, Hingham received a $700,000 grant from the Seaport Economic Council (SEC) to build a maritime center at Bathing Beach, followed by a 2018 SEC grant of $370,000 for the replacement of the maritime center’s main docking system and sailing floats.
“Hingham is thrilled to be selected as a Massachusetts Dredging Program grant recipient for 2019. Our harbor is a busy place attracting boaters from all over the Commonwealth and we are committed to the responsible stewardship of this busy waterway. We appreciate the forethought of the Baker-Polito Administration to provide meaningful state support to coastal communities like ours so that we can all join together to promote and protect our blue economy,” said Karen Johnson, Chair of the Hingham Selectmen.
“Hingham Harbor plays a vital role in supporting the South Shore economy,” said Senator Patrick O’Connor. “By freeing up the boat ramp and moorings at all hours of the day, Hingham will be able to serve an even larger role in the Commonwealth’s blue economy. I am very thankful to the Baker-Polito Administration for recognizing the importance of Hingham Harbor.”
“Thank you to the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development for choosing to invest in this important project. This funding will unlock the economic potential of the Hingham harbor and its waterfront,” said Representative Joan Meschino.
“I am thrilled to see the Town of Hingham receive this crucial grant,” said Representative James Murphy. “Dredging is vital to ensuring access to this beautiful waterfront, it truly is one of the centerpieces of the community. All steps must be taken to preserve and protect this natural resource, as well as ensure access to the navigable waterways including the boat ramp and the many moorings in the harbor.”
The Massachusetts Dredging Program is financed with funds allocated under the 2018 Economic Development Bill, which was signed by Governor Baker on August 9, 2018. The program builds on the success of the 2018 Navigational Dredging Pilot Program, which awarded $3.6 million to 10 projects, tapping into $3.9 million in local funding.
Applications are evaluated by the program administrator, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED), in consultation with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. . A minimum 50 percent local match is required for any application under consideration.
Hingham - $2,000,000 - Hingham will remove an estimated 62,000 cubic yards of sediment from the Hingham Inner Harbor, enabling all-tide use of a regionally significant boat ramp and restoring all-tide access to its more than 230 public moorings, all of which double for transient use when unoccupied for more than 24 hours. Hingham Harbor is a catalyst for economic activity in the community, generating business for numerous shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses in downtown Hingham, and supporting commercial landings of soft-shell clams and rockweed, a seaweed used as packing material for lobsters. The boat ramp supports two commercial haul and launch services and one mooring repair enterprise.