MassDevelopment CEO Visits State Pier

NEW BEDFORD—Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) hosted MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones at New Bedford State Pier Friday, to offer her a firsthand tour of the facility her organization will soon manage.

On Thursday, Governor Charlie Baker announced that MassDevelopment will take over management responsibilities of the pier from DCR, a strategy that was first proposed by Senator Montigny.

This development also comes on the heels of the start of the $5 million and $3.5 million projects designed to provide proper refrigeration facilities and repair vital infrastructure such as decking and pilings.

Since at least 2008, Senator Montigny has been a tireless advocate of an aggressive mixed-use vision to restore and redevelop State Pier into “a multi-use facility for waterdependent cargo, commercial fishing improvements, commercial marine transportation improvements, marine educational facilities, a fresh produce and fish market and capital improvements related to tourism, public recreation and other economic development within the port of New Bedford.”

The Rules Chairman has made clear that the status quo surrounding State Pier was grossly inadequate compared to the economic development potential the state property could provide New Bedford’s waterfront in terms of additional job opportunities and an eclectic mix of industrial, commercial, and pedestrian-friendly uses.

“This is the most exciting economic development project along our working waterfront right now. After carefully studying a vast array of management options for State Pier, MassDevelopment just made sense especially when one considers their impressive track record," Montigny said. "Moving forward, we will prioritize and strengthen the pier’s maritime activity while also seeking out potential new options to create a seamless connection between our vibrant downtown and working waterfront.”

--Senator Montigny's Office