Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Funding Opportunity to Strengthen Massachusetts Working Waterfronts and Coastal Economy

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Funding Opportunity to Strengthen Massachusetts Working Waterfronts and Coastal Economy 

Competitive grants will support dredging projects that improve navigation, public safety and economic growth in coastal communities 

 

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a new round of funding to help Massachusetts coastal communities advance critical dredging projects that improve navigational safety, strengthen working waterfronts, and support the state's maritime economy. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll announced at today's meeting of the Seaport Economic Council that applications are now open for Fiscal Year 2027 Dredging Construction and Regional Equipment Grants, which will provide funding for shovel-ready dredging projects and regional dredging equipment purchases. 

 

"Our coastal communities are home to hardworking fishermen, local businesses and maritime industries that help drive Massachusetts' economy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We're investing in dredging projects that keep our harbors safe and make sure these communities have the infrastructure they need to grow and succeed for years to come." 

 

"Reliable, well-maintained harbors are essential for the communities and industries that depend on them every day,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help cities and towns move forward with critical dredging projects that improve safety, support commercial fishing and recreation, and keep our waterfronts strong and competitive." 

 

Over time, sediment naturally builds up in harbors, rivers and channels. Dredging removes that material to restore the depth needed for vessels to safely navigate. 

 

"Dredging is a foundational investment in the Commonwealth's blue economy," said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. "By helping communities advance construction-ready projects and encouraging regional collaboration, this program will improve access to our ports and harbors while supporting commercial fishing, recreation, tourism, and maritime industries across Massachusetts." 

 

The competitive grant program will award between $100,000 and $1 million for projects that benefit multiple coastal communities. 

 

Eligible applicants include Massachusetts coastal municipalities, public harbor commissions, county commissions, and regional public entities representing two or more coastal municipalities. Applications are due September 22, 2026. Program guidelines and application materials are available on the Seaport Economic Council website. 

 

This funding builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration's ongoing commitment to strengthening Massachusetts' maritime economy and supporting all 78 coastal communities. Since taking office, the Administration has modernized the Seaport Economic Council, secured a $100 million reauthorization of the program through the Mass Leads Act, and invested millions of dollars in projects that improve ports and harbors, strengthen working waterfronts, and advance coastal resilience.