Friday September 12, Gusty winds welcomed the Seaport Advisory Council as they arrived here in Winthrop around noontime.  The Seaport Advisory Council funded the town’s marina project so it was only appropriate to invite them to have their meeting here and give them a tour of what Winthrop has done with their money.

Before the meeting started, a tour of the pier, floating handicap ramp that will be used for the ferry service, and docks was given by Harbormaster Chuck Famolare. Fred Rupp (Quincy) and others commented on how they like what Winthrop has done and want to model their new projects and ferry docks after us.  A simple buffet lunch was available under the tent before the meeting started.

The Seaport Advisory Council comprises of 15 men and women, and makes the decisions on waterfront projects. The council members are: Lt. Governor Tim Murray (chairman), Massport, Boston-Mid-Coast Region/BRA, Waterways Users, Mayors of New Bedford, Gloucester, Salem, Executive Secretary Seaport Advisory Council, Fall River Economic Development, Northeast Region, Administration and Finance, Cape and Islands Region, Executive Office of Business Development, Executive Office of Transportation, and Director Coastal Zone Management. Megabucks is put into their budget and they decide where the money goes and for whose projects. The different municipalities’ mayors and/or town managers that have projects like Winthop does attended to pitch their programs.  

Tom Reilly presented on Winthrop's behalf along with Peter Williams and gave them our forward plans. It was more like a formality than presentation because the Seaport Advisory Council already awarded Winthrop with monies to help with some of the building and landside items on the agenda.

Overall there were approximately 125 people from towns as far away as Cutty Hunk, Scituate, New Bedford, Dennis, Chatham, Salem and Gloucester.  Fred Rupp came by boat with others from Quincy.  Project requests included: dredging, berth and launch facilities, repairs to fuel docks, fishing piers, float systems, and Salem (asking for the largest amount of money) is planning a new wharf. Local politicians seen at this event were: State Senator Anthony Petruccelli, State Representative Robert A. DeLeo, Town Manger Rick White, and the full Town Council.

It had been a few years since Winthrop sponsored the meeting, but the council is looking forward to revisiting when the landing is completed.  Everyone enjoyed their visit and raved how nice Winthrop looks.

Check out the photos and see who was there.