Photo: City of Newburyport
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Newburyport has received a $1.5 million grant from the Seaport Economic Council, which the city plans to use to renovate the long-deteriorating Merrimack River Boardwalk.
Newburyport's waterfront has been a key part of the city's economic growth, from its time as a merchant port to its current status as a tourist destination. Mayor Sean Reardon believes investing in the rehab of the area makes good economic sense and is a key part of its present and future.
"We have people who come from all over the state and all over the country to visit Newburyport. You can visit our restaurants and shops, but also enjoy our parks and open spaces like our waterfront," Reardon said.
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The mayor said the plan is to finish renovations by April of next year, and then the city will "have a waterfront completely set for the next decade."
The grant joins the $1.8 million Community Preservation Act funds that are already slotted for the project. Newburyport City is one of 23 Massachusetts communities receiving the Seaport Economic grants. Help, Reardon says, is particularly welcome in these tough economic times.
"But the fact that we can do projects like this and not interfere with, you know, the operation and day-to-day budget for the city, I think that's also really important."
WBZ NewsRadio’s Kendall Buhl (@WBZKendall) reports.