NEWBURYPORT – Mayor Sean Reardon and the City of Newburyport are pleased to announce that the City will receive $2.25 million from the federal government to support its repair of the Central Bulkhead.
The award is part of the 2022 government funding package approved by Congress and signed by President Biden on March 15. The funding was secured for the City by U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton.
The bulkhead serves as the edge between the Merrimack River and the central waterfront and provides essential structural support for the boardwalk and Market Landing Park. This work will repair and replace deteriorating elements of the bulkhead, including the corroding anchor bolts and breaking steel mooring piles. Renovating this public infrastructure will protect the boardwalk and the central waterfront from future storm surges and flooding.
“It is my honor to fight for the funding that benefits the people of Massachusetts’ Sixth Congressional District,” Congressman Moulton said. “I am thrilled to have secured this important funding for our community, alongside other projects that will increase access to healthcare, public transportation and affordable housing in northeast Massachusetts.”
“Our City’s reliance on the continued strength of our riverfront infrastructure cannot be overstated,” said Mayor Sean Reardon. “We are grateful for the work of Congressman Moulton in securing these much-needed funds and making the full realization of this project possible.”
The bulkhead project is expected to cost $5.38 million, including a contingency. The City is submitting grant applications for additional sources, including for a $1.65 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration through the American Rescue Plan Act. The City Council has appropriated approximately $400,000 in matching funds should that grant application be successful.