Salem Harbor Project Gets $3 Million In Fed Infrastructure Funds

SALEM, MA — Nearly $3 million from the federal infrastructure legislation will go toward a Salem Harbor dredging project to improve the city's deep-water commercial port.

The funding is part of the bill designed to increase supply-chain capacity.

"The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provide an incredible opportunity to help build resiliency, enhance public safety, and bolster our local economies," U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Salem) said. "With almost $10 million worth of funding for dredging in waterways like
Newburyport and Salem harbors, the impact these funds have will be felt by communities across the Sixth District, and I look forward to seeing progress in these projects."

The Salem Harbor project is due $2.95 million for what was called an essential dredging project.

"I am enormously grateful to the Army Corps, the Biden administration, and to our federal delegation, including Senators (Edward) Markey and (Elizabeth) Warren and Congressman (Seth) Moulton, for making this funding award possible," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said. "This major infrastructure investment in our community will enable essential dredging work to take place, as we prepare Salem’s deep-water port for the next generation of our maritime economy, from visiting passenger vessels to the growing offshore wind industry.

"This substantial infusion of federal dollars will help fuel the continued growth and prosperity of our vibrant waterfront and of our community.”

The Salem Harbor funding is part of $20.8 million from the $1.5 trillion bill pegged for Massachusetts ports and waterways.

Markey called the funding "critical to economic success in the region," while Warren said she looks forward to "seeing these important projects move forward."

(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.)