Providing Access to the Coast

Projects funded thus far through Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program (WWAPP) have protected access that supports over 475 jobs and a related $8.5 million in annual income. These properties provide berthing, wharfage, parking, supplies, bait, sales, gear storage, landings and access for over 250 boats. To date, this program has provided matching funds to secure properties with a combined fair market value of over $5 million. The state's investment has leveraged an additional $1.9 million in the form of bank loans, grants, foundation assistance, private donations, municipal support and other state programs.

In the first round, awardees included two municipalities, two fishing co-ops, a private commercial fisheries business, a land trust and a community-based nonprofit. The types of access that can be preserved and protected by this program range from full service facilities that provide access and services to fishermen to permanent right of ways providing access to mudflats for harvesters.

With over 175 inquiries into the program since it opened in the spring of 2006, there is clearly strong interest in preserving the limited access we have and in making the most of state dollars to address the lack of affordability those engaged in fishing activities often face when trying to purchase and maintain properties they need to survive.

Question 4: "Do you favor a $35,500,000 bond issue to invest in land conservation, water access, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, farmland and working waterfront and to invest in state parks, historic sites and riverfront, community and farm infrastructure to be matched by at least $21,875,000 in private and public contributions?"

-- Jen Litteral