Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Northeast Coastal Coalition Regional Dredge Public Meeting
At the Northeast Coastal Coalition's public meeting we discussed the preliminary findings of a report that Cape Ann lawmakers commissioned from the Woods Hole Group, an international environmental services organization. We want to assess the feasibility of a regional collaborative among North Shore communities to maintain navigable depths in places such channels and mooring areas in an environmentally sound manner.
Representative Lenny Mirra and I secured budget funds to examine long-term strategies, permitting, best practices, and cost effectiveness for dredging options. Peter Phippen, Coastal Coordinator at the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission is administering the state grant and the study project. The study project is being addressed by the Coalition’s Subcommittee Chaired by Representative Mirra, with Representative Brad Hill, Representative James Kelcourse, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and State Senator Diana DiZoglio assisting.
Adam Finkle and Katie Lavallee of Woods Hole Group led the presentation and findings. The Coalition has attracted the participation of representatives and non-profit organizations from North Shore communities from Cape Ann to the New Hampshire state border.
