Massachusetts plans to invest $27.9 million into improving Port of New Bedford infrastructure to support commercial fishing, establish a Foss Marine Terminal, and create trucking driving opportunities.
The New Bedford Port Authority reportedly awarded a contract to D.W. White Construction for its North Terminal Expansion. Officials indicated the project brings together federal, state, and private investments to construct a bulkhead in New Bedford’s upper harbor. The facility is expected to expand capacity and increase private investment.
“This project represents a major step in our effort to modernize the Port of New Bedford. It will enhance the long-term competitiveness of our maritime industries and help create quality jobs for our residents,” New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell reportedly said. “I am grateful for the skill and determination of the Port Authority’s team in overcoming legal, financial, and engineering obstacles, along with the support of Senator Markey and the Baker Administration, that have enabled the project to proceed.
From the construction phase through operational use, heavy-duty commercial trucks will traffic products and materials for years to come. The project improves safe and efficient connectivity for vehicles navigating between the New Bedford Harbor and surface transportation systems, according to the port authority. A press release issued by the port authority highlights the following benefits.
- Extend the North Terminal Bulkhead in the upper harbor.
- Backfill the new bulkhead with approximately 97,000 cubic yards of clean, suitable material sourced from CAD Cell 4.
- Approximately 150,000 square feet of upland terminal space will be created across the area backfilled landward of the bulkhead.
- Increase infrastructure to support the offshore wind industry and provide much-needed berthing space for commercial fishing vessels.
- Create 898 new and permanent jobs.
The Port of New Bedford project is reportedly the largest improvement investment to the historic seaport’s infrastructure. Ranked as the number one fishing port in terms of value for more than 20 years, the New Bedford commercial industry landed fish and seafood estimated at $451 million in 2019. That figure far outpaced number two Port of Naknek, Alaska, at $289 million.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates New Bedford’s industry-leading catches are due to high volumes of scallops. The Massachusetts port accounts for 84 percent of the country’s scallop values. Alaska’s Dutch Harbor reportedly hauls in the most volume at 763 million pounds of annual landings, driven by relatively inexpensive pollock.
New Bedford is also repurposing another waterfront property that will involve increased truck driving opportunities. Local investors and a Seattle-based maritime services organization recently closed on a 30-acre defunct power station for $13.6 million. The land would reportedly serve as a staging ground for an offshore wind farm. Investors plan to rename the decommissioned facility the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal.
“It has been a vision for many to see this project materialize,” Andrew Saunders, who is expected to serve as the terminal’s president, reportedly said. “With this investment, we will revitalize the Port of New Bedford by providing critical support to the offshore wind industry.”
These and other Massachusetts waterfront projects will rely on CDL professionals to haul goods and materials every step of the way.
Sources: newbedfordguide.com, wpri.com
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