The body version of the state’s new budget that was passed last week includes a significant increase in funding to support the region’s local beaches, thanks to an amendment by State Sen. Brendan Crighton.
Included are $50,000 for the cleanup of Pilayella algae on King’s Beach and Long Beach, and $55,000 for the maintenance of Red Rock Park.
“Our delegation is committed to helping our beaches reach their full potential and this funding will help make sure they are clean, safe, and accessible for all,” said Crighton.
The amendment also included $900,000 for the Boston metropolitan area’s public beaches, which includes Lynn and Nahant, to be fully maintained and seasonally staffed as recommended by the Metropolitan Beaches Commission (MBC), in coordination with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
The MBC, which Crighton co-chairs, finds and suggests improvements to the legislature and DCR on ways to enhance the region’s beaches.
Nahant Town Administrator Antonio Barletta, State Reps. Jessica Giannino and Donald Wong, and Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach (FLNB) President Bob Tucker also serve on the MBC.
“FLNB wants to thank Sen. Crighton for his continued advocacy to improve the water quality at King’s Beach and maintenance of our local beaches that serve thousands,” said Tucker. “This funding will provide the DCR with the resources to continue the necessary maintenance of Lynn and Nahant Beaches including the replacement of benches and trash receptacles.”
Crighton’s amendment also included $390,000 for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s work managing the MBC and the Better Beaches Program partnership with the DCR.
Better Beaches will see $290,000 of this money as grants to local organizations that provide free public events and programs on public beaches in the region.
“As we enter the beach season, we hope families will also enjoy the amazing public events offered by the Better Beaches program,” Crighton said.
The remaining $100,000 will go to support the MBC’s ongoing work to improve the region’s public beaches, including making them more inclusive, welcoming and equitable places for all residents and visitors.
Throughout the last year, the MBC held hearings on improved access to local parks and beaches for people of color, people with disabilities, and people who do not speak English as their primary language.
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay also played an active role in working to improve the water quality at King’s Beach, which ranks among the lowest in Massachusetts.
“Continued investments in clean water, beach maintenance, and free events and programs are critically important to us and our communities,” said Chris Mancini, executive director of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. “Thanks to Sen. Crighton for his leadership on the MBC and in the Senate as we work to improve access to these spectacular urban natural resources for everyone — of every race and ability, regardless of income or what language you speak.”
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
