Beverly Harbor Projects Get $700K Boost From State Grants

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly Harbor will get a big boost from more than $700,000 in state grants to support the reconstruction of the fishing pier and help determine the viability of floating docks for local individuals and charters in the harbor.

The Seaport Economic Council grants include $656,000 for the fishing pier and $62,400 for a feasibility student on the transient floats.

The existing pier is in poor condition and in need of replacement. The new pier is set to replace the existing wood-supported pier with a steel-supported concrete pier and a new hoist to better serve the harbor's commercial fishing industry.

"These grant awards will greatly benefit our commercial fishing industry as well as recreational boaters and visitors at our Beverly Harborfront," Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill said. "Our commercial fishing fleet especially needs these improvements and we are grateful for the Council's support."

The Beverly grants were among the $6.7 million in state grants awarded to coastal communities on Sept. 9. Other North Shore communities receiving grants included Boston, Lynn and Salem.

"We truly appreciate the SEC grant funding for the commercial fishing hoist and pier repair project and for the recreational floats feasibility study," Beverly Director of Grants Catherine Barrett said. "It's critical to make these investments to our coastal assets and infrastructure to support and stimulate the maritime economy and job growth.

"The grant funds make these projects possible."

Habor Management Authority Chair Paul Earl added: "These grants support continuing the viability of the commercial fishing industry in Beverly as well as investigating smart economic development options for our infrastructure to support increased commerce and employment opportunities in the city."

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)