The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will participate this summer in a cooperative effort to remove marine debris scattered in Boston Harbor. Massport is contributing $25,000 to a pilot program initiated by The Boston Harbor Association to clean the waterfront and inner tributaries of the harbor. Also partnering in this harbor clean-up are the City of Boston, Coastal Zone Management and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

"While we maintain a working port in Boston, we must never forget the living harbor that allows us to be a major shipping and fishing center for New England. A clean and healthy harbor will draw tourists and businesses to our historic and valuable waterfront," said Virginia Buckingham, Massport Executive Director and CEO.

The program, estimated to cost $85,000 will begin on July 1, 2000 and run through September 15, 2000. Focusing on the inner harbor region, vessels will scout the harbor regularly to pick up small to medium sized debris which will then be transferred to a land side facility for subsequent disposal. These waterfront areas include:

Downtown waterfront, including Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf
Outer Fort Point Channel/ Fan Pier Courthouse
Charleston Navy Yard
East Boston Waterfront, Piers Park, Jeffries Point
Chelsea Creek
South Boston waterfront

"This is truly a collaborative effort aimed at cleaning up Boston's most visible natural resource -- the harbor," said Mike Leone, Massport's Port Director. "I applaud the Boston Harbor Association for leading this innovative program and feel proud that as operators of the Port of Boston we could contribute."

Debris will be removed on a regular basis from high activity areas and on a more limited basis in less traveled waters. With increased harbor activity and large public crowds anticipated to visit the waterfront during the July 4th holiday, Harborfest and Sail Boston, additional service from debris removal vessels is planned.

"Thanks to the leadership of Massport Director Ginny Buckingham, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, EOEA Secretary Bob Durand, and MWRA Executive Director Doug MacDonald, Boston Harbor will be less polluted and more enjoyable for marine life, swimmers and boaters during the summer of 2000," said Joan LeBlanc, deputy director of The Boston Harbor Association.

Massport, owner and operator of The Port of Boston and several acres of land in and around Boston Harbor, periodically removes debris that accumulates along the shoreline. Massport is also engaged in several environmentally-friendly programs including an EPA recognized-fleet of alternative fuel buses; the creation and maintenance of Piers Park in East Boston, a world-class waterfront park; the recently completed Boston Harbor dredging project and a multi-pronged effort to reduce traffic to Logan International Airport. In addition, Massport is an active participant in the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership.

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