$310 million to come to Mass. through the Water Resources Reform and Development Act

Washington (May 13, 2014) – Massachusetts Senators Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren and Congressmen Michael Capuano and Stephen Lynch today applauded the inclusion of the $310 million Boston Harbor dredging project in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). The funding for the Boston Harbor Federal Deep Draft Navigation Improvement Project to deepen the Harbor’s main navigation channels will come in WRRDA reauthorization, legislation that will authorize the dredging project and other water projects throughout the country. According to Massport, dredging Boston Harbor will help double the number of containers on ships coming into Boston. The Army Corps projects that for every dollar spent on construction, there will be nearly nine dollars returned in increased economic activity – resulting in a $2.7 billion economic benefit for the entire New England region. In November 2013, the entire Massachusetts delegation wrote to WRRDA committee leadership strongly supporting inclusion of the project in final legislation. 

“Boston Harbor is an economic anchor for the entire New England region, and this investment will help ensure its future as a port of world-class distinction,” said Senator Markey. “Improving the harbor to accommodate more and larger ships will bring more jobs, more investment and more economic activity to the harbor, extending Boston’s position as a shining city upon a hill as well as the shore. I thank Senator Warren, Reps. Capuano and Lynch and the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation for their leadership and commitment to securing this vital funding.” 

“The Boston Harbor Improvement Project is what investment in infrastructure is all about:  a deeper harbor means increasing container traffic at the harbor, and every tax dollar spent will produce nearly $9 in business activity.  I commend the Environment and Public Works Committee for including this critical funding in the WRRDA,” said Senator Warren.  “This kind of federal investment helps strengthen our economy in Boston and throughout the Commonwealth.”

“I have been working to advance this project for several years and I thank my colleagues on the conference committee for making it a priority,” said Rep. Capuano. “This dredging work is necessary to deepen Boston Harbor’s navigation channels so that it can accommodate newer, larger ships and create more jobs in Boston.  The project brings an economic benefit that will be felt throughout the region.”

“I am very pleased that the Water Resources Reform and Development Act will authorize $310 million for the Boston Harbor Federal Deep Draft Navigation Improvement Project,” said Rep. Lynch. “The Port of Boston is a vital economic resource for the Commonwealth as well as the entire New England region. This project will have a significant economic impact on Massachusetts not only in terms of jobs but will also allow the Port of Boston to remain globally competitive. I commend Senator Warren, Senator Markey and Congressman Capuano for all of their hard work and commitment to ensuring that this funding was approved by Congress. I remain committed and look forward to working with them, the entire Massachusetts delegation, and all invested parties as this project moves forward.”

“This news will have an enormous impact on the City of Boston, and will contribute to our long-term growth,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “This is another step towards strengthening Boston's role as a world-class city, with a world-class port at its hub. I'd like to thank Senators Markey and Warren and Congressmen Capuano and Lynch for their leadership on this issue.”