Representative Keenan Announces Funding
BOSTON – At quarter to one in the morning on Wednesday, Representative John Keenan joined 151 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing a supplemental budget for the current fiscal year that allocates over $300 million in state funds. About $780,000 dollars of that funding was specified for Salem. On Monday, Representative Keenan filed an amendment to the proposed budget bill in order to secure $130,000 in funding to bolster security on Salem Harbor. The money will go to help the Salem Harbormaster purchase an additional patrol boat. Despite being one of only five designated deep-water ports in Massachusetts, Salem Harbor is typically only patrolled by the Salem Harbormaster, as most state and federal security resources are largely directed at Boston Harbor. The amendment was adopted by the House into the final version of the budget bill. “In the post 9-11 world, we have to make homeland security a priority at the local and state level,” said Representative Keenan, “With the Salem Harbor Station power plant, the liquefied natural gas tank on Collins Cove, and the potential influx of illegal drugs through our ports, it just makes sense to give our law enforcement officers the tools they need to protect our harbor. To a very large degree, Salem harbor is the hub of port security for the entire North Shore region. In addition to increased homeland security, having an additional patrol boat will enable the Harbormaster’s personnel to better protect private property on our waterfront, conduct search and rescue in emergency situations, and safeguard recreational boaters on Salem Harbor. I am pleased my colleagues in the House recognized the importance of this funding.” “Representative Keenan came through in the clutch for us,” said a pleased Sergeant Peter Gifford, Harbormaster for the city of Salem, “The week of October 10th, we were just in the process of having our 15-year old patrol boat taken out of service due to its age and unsafe condition. That would have left the City of Salem with only one functioning boat. With Salem under a financial strain, the timing couldn’t be better. Unlike other ports in the Commonwealth that have overlapping agencies, the Salem Harbormaster department is the only law enforcement agency on the water in Salem, with occasional support from the U.S. Coast Guard. This funding will enable us to maintain year-round coverage throughout Salem Sounds 24/7, as in the past.” Also included in the budget bill was $350,000 for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to provide for the construction of a new ramp and dock at the Kernwood Marina at McCabe Park in Salem. “We recently rededicated McCabe Park in North Salem,” pointed out Representative Keenan, “This funding will provide the capstone to the necessary reconstruction of the public launch at the marina.” “The funding is very much needed,” agreed Doug Bollen, Salem’s Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, “Our state ramp is in poor condition and repairing it will make it one of the best public launches in the region. We expect much more usage once the work is completed and we want to thank the Public Access Board and Representative Keenan for pursing this for Salem.” Another provision of the bill gives cities and towns increased Chapter 90 state aid for road and transportation projects. The total amount provided for in the bill is $55 million across the Commonwealth. Of that amount, Salem will receive around $300,000, based on a state formula. “These monies will allow us to do some projects next spring and summer that have been on hold this year,” stated Bruce Thibodeau, Director of Public Works for the City of Salem, “All will help to reduce the burden on the individual tax payer in Salem.” Another item of note in the supplemental budget that will benefit the citizens of Salem is the inclusion of $20 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program. “This funding is necessary with winter coming soon and fuel and energy costs expected to soar,” pointed out Representative Keenan, “This assistance, in conjunction with the newly filed HEAT energy efficiency bill, is part of a larger effort on the part of the House to find practical solutions to our looming energy crisis.” The supplemental budget now moves to the State Senate for that body’s debate and vote on the legislation. Following Senate and conference committee action, the bill must still be signed into law by the Governor.
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