Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has modernized the Seaport Economic Council through an Executive Order, aiming to boost the maritime economy and strengthen coastal resilience across the state’s 78 coastal communities, according to Mass.gov.
The Executive Order directs the Seaport Economic Council to advise the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on strategies supporting Massachusetts coastal communities, aligning state programs and regulations with local economic needs. “Massachusetts is a maritime state, and our ports, harbors, and working waterfronts are essential to our economy and communities,” Healey said. “We’re positioning the Council to support good jobs, modernize infrastructure, and plan for climate resilience and long-term sustainability,” she told Mass.gov.
The Council’s restructuring aims to boost sustainable economic growth and job creation through coordinated investments in commercial fishing, marine transportation, port infrastructure, coastal tourism, and emerging maritime industries. Secretary of Economic Development and Council Vice Chair Eric Paley emphasized that the new structure enables better alignment of state programs, funding, and regulations with the needs of coastal communities and maritime businesses, according to Mass.gov.
The Administration also announced FY26 Seaport Economic Council grant recommendations totaling $16.7 million for 21 projects, including port and terminal improvements, maritime economic planning, and harbor maintenance. One example is the $2.4 million Boston Harbor Shipyard Pier 1 Rehabilitation, reflecting the Council’s commitment to revitalizing coastal infrastructure, Governor Maura Healey said at a meeting at the Menino Convention Center, according to Mass.gov.
Since its inception in August 2015, the Seaport Economic Council has invested over $116 million in Massachusetts’ coastal communities. Governor Healey’s recent initiative aims to strengthen a sustainable blue economy that balances growth with the challenges of climate change and sea-level rise.
