Lynn ferry project gets $8.4 million boost

LYNN – The federal government gave a Lynn-to-Boston commuter ferry an $8.4 million boost Tuesday as part of a multi-million dollar federal stimulus fund allocation announced by Gov. Deval Patrick.The money will help the city pay for the construction of a handicapped-accessible docking facility at Blossom Street extension, a side street off the Lynnway used for years as a public boat ramp. Economic Development and Industrial Corporation Executive Director James Cowdell said the work could be done in a year.Money for the ferry project caps off a month that has seen Lynn already receive $3.9 million in federal stimulus money aimed at helping revive the local and national economy. Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development will spend $2 million on housing renovations and $1.9 million will spare nine police officers from layoffs.U.S. Rep. John Tierney announced the ferry money with Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday, crediting state Sen. Thomas M. McGee with pushing the commuter boat project through the state and federal approval and funding process.?I am pleased that Governor Patrick is putting federal dollars toward this economic development project which will create jobs and enhance transportation options for North Shore residents and visitors. It is this type of project that Congress envisioned when we passed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act earlier this year,” said Tierney said.McGee and fellow local legislators support the ferry as a way to get North Shore commuters to jobs in Boston and as a corner stone for plans to revive Lynn’s waterfront.?This is a critical piece in the development of Lynn?s waterfront and it will enhance our ability to make Lynn a transportation hub for the North Shore,” McGee said.Work on the project started last December when city officials began spending $750,000 in state money on drainage and parking improvements and construction of a new boat ramp. The project’s second phase involves much more expensive work including dredging and seawall repairs.?This is great news for the city of Lynn, as we partner with state government to bring jobs and economic development to the city,” said Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr.Cowdell said the size of the federal funding allocation allows the city to do the second phase work then move right into the third phase construction work. He said the size of the federal stimulus award to Lynn caught city officials by surprise.”Every city and town was looking for a piece of that pie. We’re really happy given the competitive nature of the award,” he said.McGee credited state Reps. Steven Walsh and Robert Fennell with supporting the ferry project and said it will enhance the job creation and development goals of the city’s waterfront master plan.The commuter ferry is one of 33 projects receiving funding from a $165.6 million federal stimulus allocation.”It’s very exciting,” said state Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead. “In such a difficult economy the more public transportation options available on the North Shore, the better.”