Thank Trump for Local Waterfront Investment Grant [OPINION]

The Trump Administration has announced a $16 million grant for New Bedford's waterfront that will allow for extensive upgrades as well as expansion. State and local contributions will combine for a total award of $20 million. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced the awarding of the Economic Development Administration grant on Tuesday.

This is a big deal. The money will allow New Bedford to make port infrastructure improvements, and according to WBSM News, "is expected to create or retain 400 jobs and spur $4 million in private investment."

In announcing the grant, Ross said, "These port infrastructure improvements will better protect New Bedford’s commercial fishing industry from flooding, and the project’s location in an Opportunity Zone will drive additional private investment to the community.”

I asked Democrat Mayor Jon Mitchell if he'd sent a "thank you" card to President Trump. He has not.

For years, New Bedford has sought funding like this but has been unable to land it – that is, until now. Barack Obama didn't send it. George W. Bush didn't write a check, nor did Bill Clinton. By the way, Governor Charlie Baker is already claiming some credit for the haul. Yeah.

The Mitchell Administration presented a case for the funds to the Trump Administration, and Trump responded by fulfilling a need. Period. No thanks to Elizabeth Warren or Ed Markey, our U.S. Senators who are controlled by the environmentalists who oppose fishing.

Remember, it was the Democrats under Obama that created the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument in the Atlantic that threatened our fishing industry. Warren and Markey didn't lift a finger to oppose that. Trump got rid of it in a hurry.

The Trump Administration has done more to benefit our local fishing industry in four years than Obama ever did. I suspect that Joe Biden would not be any friendlier to the fishing industry than Obama was.

Mitchell should thank President Trump for the investment in New Bedford's waterfront, and New Bedford area residents should remember Trump's support on November 3.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.