Salem Harbor Port Authority

SALEM HARBOR PORT AUTHORITY 98 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 (978) 619-5685 PLANNING (978) 741-5685 HARBORMASTER MEETING MINUTES: January 6, 2022 A public meeting of the Salem Harbor Port Authority was convened at 5:00 pm via Zoom web conference. Members present: Michael Rutstein (Chairman), Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Councilor Bob McCarthy - Ward 1, Fred Atkins Members absent: None Others Present: Capt. Bill McHugh – Harbormaster, Seth Lattrell – Port Authority Deputy/Planner, Lev McClain – Ward 4 Councilor, Hannah Morri – Sen Lovely’s Office, Bob Blair - Eastern Point Pilots, John Berry – Crowley Chairman Rutstein called the meeting to order at 5:01 pm and outlined the format for the meeting, indicating that members of the public may provide comments during the period of the meeting designated for public comment. A discussion was had as to whether the Port Authority would continue to meet remote or transition to a hybrid format. The members agreed that they would prefer to remain remote for the time being. Mr. Lattrell provided an update on offshore wind. The Commonwealth Wind project, which is the project connected to the redevelopment of Salem Harbor, successfully received an award for the full 1200MW under the state’s 83C process. The Crowley/Avangrid team continue to make progress on the purchase and sale agreement. Crowley released an RFP for engineering services with an expected response date of mid-February and is preparing an RFP for permitting and community engagement. The city is working with Crowley/Avangrid on an overall funding strategy to support the $180M investment and is pursuing its own funding sources for technical support from consultants as the development efforts advance. Mr. Lattrell shared that he scheduled a tour of the MassCEC Wind Turbine Testing Facility for Port Authority Members on February 3. The city was successful in their receipt of a $2.4M MARAD grant for new mooring structures and anticipates an additional MARAD application in the next round to support the broader  Meeting Minutes January 6, 2022 Page 2 offshore wind improvements. Mr. Lattrell is drafting an application with EDA tourism grant for a ferry terminal building. That grant application is due at the end of January and has a $10M cap for award. The funding for the purchase of a second ferry is in the contracting process with FTA. DOT provided an additional $85k in grant funding for the design of a new ferry. Mayor Driscoll and Harbormaster McHugh discussed the used ferry market. Mr. McHugh shared that supply is limited and an alternative option could be a partnership with a local operator. Salem’s vessel needs are very specific given the exposure and duration of the run to Boston. The existing ferry is due for approximately $650k in capital maintenance. Mr. Lattrell shared that a letter to City Council was submitted to request the release of that funding. Mr. McCarthy requested a copy of the request. Mayor Driscoll shared her excitement that we continue to invest in our ferry and plan for expanded service, but consistent operations will be key to the success. Mr. McHugh shared that the North Berth work is ongoing and continues to be held up by supply chain challenges. In the meantime, the facility is useable for tie up. Mr. Lattrell shared that the website is officially live. Mr. Lattrell shared that the MHP and DPA Master Plan are ongoing. The consultant team continues to make progress on the draft of the document. The state has provided feedback on one of the two sections shared with them. DEP still does not have a clear path to approving harbor plans as the appeal of the state regulations is under review by the SJC. Mr. McHugh provided the Harbormasters report. An LNG support vessel operated by Semper Diving has been utilizing the Blaney Street facility for crew changes and service runs. Additionally, the North Berth has been used as a staging facility for the C White Marine in association with their demolition of the Salem Willows Pier. Mayor Driscoll asked for additional information on the condition of the Willows Pier between demo and reconstruction. Mr. McHugh shared that jersey barriers will be in place to provide a barrier between the park and remaining rip rap revetment. American Cruise Lines continues its interest in Salem. Mr. McHugh is working with them to better understand the number of calls and details of arrivals. A detailed proposal from American Cruise Lines has been requested. Members discussed why turnaround port cruise activity was not desirable to the city. Councilor McCarthy requested that the SHPA invite Parking Director David Kucharsky to a future meeting to discuss options for parking management at Blaney Street. Mr. Lattrell offered to connect with Mr. Kucharsky. The meeting was opened for public comment. Councilor McClain asked if there had been outreach to the labor union regarding offshore wind. Mr. Lattrell shared that the City has been in contact the unions and is working to develop a regional coalition to engage labor leaders  Meeting Minutes January 6, 2022 Page 3 further. John Berry, Crowley, echoed Mr. Lattrell’s points and shared that Crowley is engaged directly with local unions. Bob Blair, Eastern Point Pilots, asked for an update on the 5th member appointment and on an operating budget for the SHPA. Mr. Lattrell responded that the operating budget is intertwined with staff efforts to secure state technical support funding, and that they continue to vet applications for a 5th member. Salem Harbor Port Authority adjourned @5:59 pm.