March 17, 2009
Editorial/The Lynn Journal
Lynn's effort to establish a commuter ferry to Boston could receive a major boost from the Federal Stimulus Package. Last week, James Cowdell, executive director of Lynn's Economic Development and Industrial Corporation said the ferry was "on a very short list" of projects that are in the running to receive up to $4 million as part of the stimulus.
The ferry project and the ongoing relocation of the harborside power lines are the only two projects still being considered for stimulus funds from an initial list of over 30 shovel-ready projects that Lynn submitted to the state last month.
Cowdell emphasized there is still no guarantee that the ferry project will make the final cut in the scramble for stimulus funds, but said the city has also applied for $1.3 million from the Seaport Advisory Council for the project, which could provide a viable alternative if the request for stimulus money is denied.
Regardless of how the two pending applications for state and federal assistance pan out, Lynn's long-discussed commuter ferry is in the works, with one phase of the three-phase project already nearing completion.
Cowdell said the Lynn ferry is envisioned as a a speedy transit option for Lynn commuters who seek an alternative to navigating through packed highways, a process which may soon become much more expensive for who work in Boston. Our ferry would have about a 17-minute ride."
Construction crews are already working on the first phase of the project, which consists of upland work at the future ferry station on Blossom Street located off the Lynnway. The work for Phase 1 includes the reconstruction of tech existing boat ramp, drainage installation and the repaving of a large parking lot. The Seaport Advisory Board awarded $750,000 to the city for the first phase of the project after State Senator Thomas McGee and Mayor Edward "Chip" Clancy spoke before the board in December 2007.
Phase 2 of the project will include dredging work around the ramp and the construction of a dock where the boat will be docked. The final phase of the project will be the purchase of the boat.
Although the precise amount of money that Lynn will receive from the state and federal government remains up in the air, Cowdell emphasized Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, who chairs the Seaport Advisory Council, have expressed their enthusiasm and support for the project.
"We have a tremendous state delegation on this project," Cowdell said. "Chip Clancy really lobbied on behalf of this, and we were able to present a strong case, along with the Master Waterfront Plan, that we're changing that whole area. From Governor Patrick to [Secretary of Housing and Economic Development] Greg Bialecki to Lt. Governor Murray, who has been here six times, they all strongly agree with that. To put 'commuter ferry' and 'Lynn' in the same sentence is a really good thing that will help change people's perception about the city." |
