BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker signed Senator Mark C. Montigny’s State Pier language into law as part of the most recent economic development bill, H4732.

Amendment #299, filed by Montigny, authorizes the Commonwealth to lease State Pier to MassDevelopment for up to 35 years for public purposes that include mixed-use development. Mixed-use development is permitted by Montigny’s 2014 $25 million State Pier bond authorization that permits an array of projects including cargo, commercial fishing, marine educational facilities, fresh produce and fish markets, and capital improvements related to tourism and public recreation.

Furthermore, Montigny successfully extended his 2014 bond authorization in the recently released Environmental Bond Bill (H4835) through June 30, 2023. This will ensure mixed-use development remains law and properly funded.

Since 2008, Senator Montigny has been a tireless advocate of restoring and redeveloping State Pier into “a multi-use facility for water-dependent 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.”

This project marks the third phase of an overall economic development vision Montigny has pursued, starting with his legislation to rehabilitate the Star Store into a thriving college arts campus followed by the extensive redevelopment of Route 18.

In 2016, Montigny advocated for MassDevelopment to manage the pier, which Governor Baker later endorsed. The Senator has continually worked with the Baker Administration to ensure proper management, modern refrigeration facilities, and now further redevelopment to ensure State Pier can generate revenues and ultimately become self-sufficient.

“State Pier is the next step in the exciting revival of New Bedford,” said Senator Montigny. “We can finally connect downtown with our working waterfront while strengthening our shore side industries. I want to thank Governor Baker for his support and look forward to supporting MassDevelopment as they begin work on this project.”

--From the Office of State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford)

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