Increase recreational boating access in coastal massachusetts by enhancing and expanding the existing reed park transient boating facility located in the town of manchester-by-the-sea, massachusetts

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $1,168,250 Project Grant under the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act (CFDA 15.622) to the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Division of Marine Fisheries. The purpose of this grant is to increase recreational boating access in coastal Massachusetts by enhancing and expanding the existing Reed Park transient boating facility located in the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. Specifically, the project will add 19 additional berths for transient recreational vessels 26 feet or longer, as well as provide electrical service, fresh water, and a fixed pump-out station to support visiting boaters. This investment in marine infrastructure aims to address the shortage of transient dockage in the region and enable greater numbers of recreational vessels to safely access the amenities and services available in Manchester-by-the-Sea and the surrounding coastal communities. The project has an expected completion date of May 19, 2027.

With this tier II grant funding, the town proposes to add an additional 19 spaces, electrical service, and fresh water for transient, non-trailerable recreational vessels 26 feet or longer. Additional berthing is needed to alleviate the significant shortage of transient recreational boating accommodations for vessels 26 feet or longer in manchester by-the- sea and throughout the massachusetts north coast region.reed park provides a significant destination way point for recreational boaters traveling along the coast of new england. As a full-service port of call in massachusetts, manchester by-the-sea is a popular destination for boaters seeking the coastal massachusetts experience. Reed park is located within walking and biking distance to historic sites, coastal parks, scenic vistas, restaurants and the massachusetts commuter rail system for trips to nearby historic gloucester and salem. Boston is also just a train trip away. Boaters docking at reed park can also take a scenic 8-mile bike or train ride along route 127 to beverly and salem or a similar 7-mile trip into gloucester to enjoy arts, theatre, restaurants, nationally recognized museums, and national park sites along with the many other attractions found in these new england cities. For visitors convenience there are several restaurants, a full-service supermarket, drugstore, hardware store, service stations and a convenience store, all located just steps away from the big float system. The construction of an additional 500 feet of docks and associated piles will provide new transient docking space for an additional 19 recreational vessels that are 26 feet or longer and their dinghies. The installation of electrical service, water service to new and existing tie UPS and the addition of a fixed pump out station at the facility (separate CVA funding for station) will provide much needed amenities expected by visiting recreational boaters. This project will allow greater numbers of transient vessels which are currently required to anchor or use transient moorings in the outer harbor to safely access amenities and services. IT will solve the lack of adequate dockage which is the greatest obstacle to inner harbor access for visiting recreational boaters.