Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito visited Fairhaven Wednesday to tour Union Wharf and learn about the town's coastal economy.

The wharf recently underwent much needed restoration to the eastern and western seawalls and has received additional funding for the project.

Polito said she believes it's important for the Commonwealth to invest in coastal communities as it can ultimately lead to greater local revenue.

"Hopefully we'll attract more of the recreational fishing opportunities to bring more people to this area," Polito said. "You bring more people to this area they'll want to go to restaurants, use the hotel and maybe come again."

The Seaport Economic Council awarded Fairhaven $950,173 for Phase 2 of their project on the wharf, which will restore over 110 feet of seawall on the west side. They hope to tackle the north and south walls with a future grant.

Town planning director Bill Roth said it makes a difference to actually visit the area where that money is going and to see how it's being utilized.

"You can see something at a presentation at a grant meeting or you see something in a report, but physically seeing it is much more impressive than just looking at it in a briefing," said Roth.

As town officials continue to build on the successes of its waterfront, Polito believes they are headed in the right direction.

"This is a community that has a plan and a vision for the use of their public asset here and when you have a plan, then you can really work hard to find the resources to make that plan become a reality," said Polito.

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