Seaport Economic Council changes, $16.7M in grants announced

The Healey-Driscoll administration on Jan. 7 announced the signing of an Executive Order reconstituting the Seaport Economic Council and updating the council’s mission and membership, along with a recommendation of $16.7 million in fiscal 2026 grants for 21 projects.

The grants will support maritime economic development planning projects, port and terminal infrastructure improvements, enhancements to recreational boating and coastal tourism assets, and dredging design and permitting work to improve navigation, public safety, and long-term coastal resilience.

The administration said the actions will strengthen the state’s maritime economy and support the long-term vitality of the state’s waterfronts and harbors. A $4 billion economic development bill enacted in 2024, known as the Mass Leads Act, included a $100 million reauthorization for the Seaport Economic Council.

The administration said the new council membership ensures specific expertise related to integral components of the maritime economy, such as boating, tourism and fisheries. The council will also advise the Healey-Driscoll administration on coastal planning coordination, economic development, and resilience efforts.

The council includes a designee of the mayor of Boston, as well as Gloucester Mayor Paul Lundberg, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, and Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, chair of the council, discussed the grants and swore in new council members during a council meeting at the New England Boat Show in Boston.

The council’s grant recommendations, ranging from $88,000 to $2.6 million, include projects in Barnstable, Beverly, Boston, Chatham, Dennis, Fairhaven, Fall River, Falmouth, Gloucester, Hull, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Newburyport, Plymouth, Quincy, Rockport, Salem, Swansea, Truro, Wareham, Wellfleet and Weymouth.

The full list of grants and project descriptions is available online.