Council Formed to Bolster Coastal Commerce

BOSTON—Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is looking to strengthen both the overall economy and the resiliency of the Commonwealth's nearly 80 coastal communities.

The Baker-Polito Administration has established the Seaport Economic Council to guide the Commonwealth in “realizing a shared vision of a strong maritime economy that leverages coastal assets,” the administration states.

The newly formed Seaport Economic Council will focus on the strengths of Massachusetts' coastal communities and the opportunity the maritime economic sector represents as well as consideration to the resilience and sustainability of coastal areas. Officials that have been appointed to serve on the Seaport Economic Council include: Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Council Chairwoman; Carolyn Kirk, Deputy Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Council vice chair; Mayor Kim Driscoll, City of Salem; Mayor Tom Koch, City of Quincy; Interim Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, City of Gloucester; Harlan Doliner, president, Marine Oceanographic and Tech Network and Matt Ciborowski, transportation planner, Ports Strategic Plan. Additional council members will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the governor's office.

The remainder of the council will be comprised of municipal leaders, representatives from coastal communities, trade associations representing the maritime economy, and senior level staff from the Commonwealth's Departments of Transportation and Energy and Environmental Affairs.

“The Seaport Economic Council demonstrates our commitment to promoting economic prosperity in cities and towns of all sizes,” states Gov. Baker. “We look forward to the robust role coastal communities can contribute to job and economic growth in the Commonwealth.”

The Seaport Economic Council will challenge the 78 coastal communities of Massachusetts to leverage their geographic advantages in order to grow jobs and the economy, while preparing for the future challenges of the region posed by predicted sea level rise and increasingly powerful coastal storms.

“The maritime economy remains a vital part of Massachusetts and presents an untapped potential for growth in this sector,” states Lt. Gov. and Council Chairwoman Polito. “The council will prioritize innovation in creating 'blue' or ocean-based jobs, partnerships with public education institutions, local maritime planning efforts, and supportive coastal infrastructure projects that meet standards of resilience and sustainability.”

“From deep water port cities to beach towns, the coastal communities of Massachusetts have long benefited from focused investment in the maritime sector,” adds Kirk. “The Seaport Economic Council will further the maritime economic objectives of coastal communities and in a way that considers the environmental, educational and sustainability needs of these communities.”