The Lynn Community Development Office announced last week that they have received a $267,000 federal grant, through the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) to construct approximately 12 transient docking spaces at the city owned Seaport Marina.
According to Marsh, the new dockage is designed specifically to cater to visiting boaters who want to stop in Lynn for a day trip or a short overnight visit, and will be located on what is now known as C Dock, just a short walking distance from Lynn Heritage State Park and other recreational attractions that would bring people to Lynn.
The total cost of the project is approximately $367,000, with $267,000 coming form the federal Boating Infrastructure Grant and $100,000 to be paid out of the Community Development department.
The new dockage spaces will be handicapped accessible and will accommodate vessels from 26 to 60 feet in length.
Marsh feels that the additional dockage is a great way to attract more people to visit the downtown Lynn area, which has been steadily growing with fine restaurants and new Cultural District designation that features museums and other recreational attractions over the last several years
Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe in a press release noted, “These grants, funded by fishing and boating enthusiasts, have helped communities across the nation build and enhance recreational boating facilities that provide recreational opportunities while supporting jobs and economic growth. This program is a win-win situation for recreational boaters, conservation initiatives and job creation.”
Lynn is one of just 15 communities across the country that received a portion of the federal funding administered locally by the Division of Marine Fisheries. Other projects range from an offshore mooring installation in Hawaii to marina redevelopment plans in Arkansas, Florida and Maine to other transient dockage projects in Virginia, Connecticut and Tennessee.