Salem Harbor Port Authority

MEETING MINUTES: June 1, 2023 A public meeting of the Salem Harbor Port Authority was convened at 5:00 pm via Zoom web conference. Members present: Kathy Winn (Chair), Acting Mayor Bob McCarthy, and Captain Fred Ryan Staff Present: Capt. Bill McHugh – Harbormaster, Tom Devine – Senior Planner Call to Order Ms. Winn called the meeting to order at 5:00pm and Captain McHugh 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. Offshore Wind Port Design Updates – Crowley Jared Kemp, Joseph St. Pierre, and John Berry from Crowley were present to provide a status update on the project. Mr. Berry reported that they just received their 90% review plans and are going through it with the City and partners. Mr. Kemp reviewed the engineering updates which include completed drawings this summer, permitting for land and pile driving are expected in September, and dredging permits in June 2024. Construction procurement should begin in the fall of 2023. Mr. Kemp reported that there are no changes to the site plan. They are looking at electrical capacity and lessons learned from the New Jersey and New Bedford projects. Cruise access and landscaping have been further developed. Additional design details shown include additional electrical infrastructure and AECOMM Envision sustainability standards. Local, State, and Federal permitting is underway and has been submitted or will be by September 2023. Mr. St. Pierre discussed Crowley’s community outreach, and the advisory committee meeting he attended and saw many opportunities to partner with Salem High School. LEAP for Education, legislative luncheons, Living Green Expo, and MassHire all show progress for workforce development. Mr. Berry reviewed the next steps which include 100% design, RFP for GC and construction, finalizing permitting, determining funding sources, and continuing community outreach. Ms. Winn applauded Crowley for their participation in the public outreach meetings. She inquired about the LEAP program and the timing for that. Mr. St. Pierre hopes that it will be in place for this summer. Mr. Kemp elaborated on the GC timing, which does align with the permitting timeline. Crowley is looking for very specific qualifications, but hopes to be able to provide local opportunities, potentially through sub-contractors. Harbor Plan/DPA Master Plan Mr. Devine reported that the plan was approved on May 17th by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Staff Update Captain McHugh reported that a candidate was chosen to fill Mr. Lattrell’s position. He will begin on June 26th. Terminal Building/Harbormaster Report Captain McHugh reported that he is hoping the new staff will finalize the RFP for the terminal building using the Seaport Economic Development grant. He reported that working in partnership with Crowley, they are looking to bring in an offshore construction vehicle. He reported that the ferry maintenance is off to a great start and BHC is providing a substitute vessell. The Landing is also off to a good start. The ferry, working with the MBTA, is now accepting the Zone 3 passes. He added that he is still working with Mr. Devine on the FTA grant to increase capacity. Captain McHugh said he was cautiously optimistic about having a harbor shuttle again this summer. Public Comment The meeting was opened for public comment. Kami Bucholaz, Chandler Road, asked if the offshore construction vehicle was a Jones Act vessel. Captain McHugh reported that it was not. Pat Gozemba, Sutton Avenue, inquired if Crowley had any street drawings of the site that they could share. Mr. Kemp responded that they will have those renderings ready for the Planning Board. Avengrid needs to finalize with OEM before those drawings are ready. Ms. Gozemba inquired if Crowley saw the drawing prepared by a local resident. Mr. Berry said they have seen drawings, but have questions. She also asked if they could speak about their lessons learned. Mr. St. Pierre said that they learned a lot about electrical infrastructure and needs from the New Bedford project. Mr. Berry echoed Mr. St. Pierre’s comments about the New Jersey project and pre-assembly operation needs and funding. Adjournment Salem Harbor Port Authority adjourned at 5:55pm. Approved by the Salem Harbor Port Authority on 08/03/2023