LYNN — The city has been reimbursed $1.2 million in federal funds for repairs to the Seaport Landing Marina, which was devastated by a February 2013 blizzard.
The funds, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Federal Disaster Aid Program, will be supplemented by a $1 million investment into the 165-slip marina from the city. The grant was announced by U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton’s (D-Mass.) office on Wednesday.
“These funds are good news for Lynn’s economy and Seaport Landing,” said Moulton in a statement. “Whether it’s disaster relief or new federal investment at GE, my team and I are working every day to kickstart a new generation of economic growth in Lynn. I’m glad this money is finally on the way.”
Repairs will go toward fixing the main walkway, which the city’s community development director, James Marsh, called the spine of the entire marina. The A Dock will be rehabilitated, which is currently unusable and will allow the city to rent about 38 more slips, he said.
Following those repairs, Marsh said the focus will then turn to the small boat area. He anticipates about $140,000 of income will be generated from the additional slip rentals, which will allow the city to make the repairs in that area.
“The boaters down at Seaport have been very patient and we look forward to getting all this work completed,” said Marsh in a statement.
In 2017, the city was reimbursed $1.3 million from FEMA. The first round of funding related to the snowstorm went toward repairing the marina’s gas and diesel fuel dock.
The city became eligible for the funding after former Gov. Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency for Massachusetts as the blizzard approached, which was followed by a declaration from the White House. The storm, named “Nemo,” dumped two feet of snow and caused heavy wind damage.
“This is great news for Lynn’s waterfront and Seaport boaters in particular,” said Mayor Thomas M. McGee in a statement. “This funding, in conjunction with the $1 million investment the city is making at Seaport Marina, the current development of the former North Harbor site, and other percolating developments, are paving the way for a revitalized Lynn waterfront.”
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a 2020 presidential candidate, called the disaster funding great news for the Commonwealth and the city of Lynn.
U.S. Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) said the federal funding was crucial as the city continues its work to revitalize the waterfront and see it to its full potential.
