Portland city officials have recently secured over $25 million in funding for an essential dredging project in Portland Harbor. This project aims to ensure that the harbor remains deep enough for commercial traffic and cruise ships.
Numerous piers in Portland Harbor haven’t undergone dredging in over 70 years, resulting in a gradual accumulation of sediment. This sediment has diminished water depths and docking capacity, adversely affecting the operational waterfront.
The reason for not dredging these piers for so long is that the accumulated sediment contains pollution from modern stormwater runoff and historic contaminants from past factories and shipyards.
The project’s objective is to remove approximately 244,678 cubic yards of material from the harbor floor, affecting an area equivalent to more than 36 football fields. This effort will impact 47 waterfront properties, including both private and public piers, marinas, boatyards, and other key areas.
The economy in the area greatly depends on the active waterfront, with a 2020 study estimating its total economic impact at $800 million. This economic vitality is intricately connected to industrial marine operations, commercial fishing, recreational pursuits, and the tourism sector.
Funding for the project will come from various sources, including $10 million from the State of Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, $6 million from the state Department of Transportation, $4 million from the City of Portland, $1 million from the City of South Portland, and $2.64 million in fees from wharf and pier owners. Additionally, $1.45 million in United States EPA Brownfields services funding will support the effort.
City officials plan to request project proposals during the upcoming summer and aim to have a contractor in place by the fall. This initiative is crucial for preserving the functionality and economic vitality of Portland Harbor.
