New Bedford State Pier and More Benefit as Healey Signs Economic Development Package

BOSTON (WBSM) — Governor Maura Healey has signed Senator Mark Montigny’s legislation that will make significant investments into New Bedford, including State Pier and beyond.

It’s part of the $4 billion economic development package the state legislature negotiated over the summer. The pier project was not part of the House proposal, but Montigny’s Senate amendment prevailed in conference and received the final approval from the governor today.

As part of this bill, Montigny secured an additional $10 million to provide “a significant boost” to the pier’s already ongoing $25 million redevelopment into a mixed-use entity featuring cargo operations, commercial fishing, ferry services, marine educational facilities, and a fresh fish market – something Montigny has championed since 2008.

It will also pave the way for a future expansion of South Coast Rail directly to State Pier.

“A rail spur currently exists at the site to accommodate the extension and would complement Montigny’s early legislative work paving the way for commuter rail service to New Bedford, which is scheduled to commence service in May 2025,” Montigny’s office said in a release. “Providing train service to the state pier would provide passengers with streamlined access to local ferry services, the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, and a direct connection to the downtown’s arts and cultural center.”

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Healey also endorsed Montigny’s effort to help revive the Star Store and secure funding for the Zeiterion Theater’s $37 million restoration. Montigny’s amendments now provide over $12.3 million as part of the economic development bill An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership.

Following UMass Dartmouth pulling out of the Star Store campus last year, Montigny’s addition to the economic development bill provides the pathway for the Commonwealth to obtain the building and would require it to be used for public purposes that can include artist lofts, studio space, and public gallery space.

In addition, the $8 million bond Montigny previously got authorized for improvements is stripped from UMass Dartmouth and “will be made available for the building’s needs once ownership is transferred to the Commonwealth,” his office said.

“For 25 years, we have been relentless in pursuing a three-part vision, legislation, and funding, starting with the Star Store to revive our amazing arts in the downtown and to connect that seamlessly to our bustling working waterfront through a mixed-use concept at the State Pier and redeveloped Route 18,” Montigny said.

“The Senate’s economic development bill is a home run that can really put an exclamation point on this work and truly transform New Bedford into a major destination for both residents and those curious about what we’ve known all along about our beautiful city on Buzzards Bay,” he said.