Advisory committee backs Steamship Authority feasibility study for Nantucket terminal

The Coastal Resilience Advisory Committee on Jan. 27 voted to recommend the Town provide a letter of support for the Steamship Authority's Build program planning grant for a Nantucket terminal feasibility study. Carolyn Muldoon, grants administrator for the Steamship Authority, said the application would fund a feasibility study to examine relocation options and recurring flooding at the wharf and surrounding terminal areas and that Arcadis is supporting the project. Muldoon said this is the third year the Authority has applied and that previous submissions received "project of merit" feedback from reviewers.

Committee members asked about prior feedback, whether project partners such as towns and regional commissions had been engaged, and about the application deadline. Muldoon said the Authority has received debriefs after prior rounds, has sought letters of support from local delegations and towns (including Martha's Vineyard), and is discussing a formal town partnership so the application shows municipal coordination. The committee heard the grant application deadline is Feb. 24 and that the Steamship Authority expects to hear back around June.

Doug Rose moved that the committee support the letter of recommendation; Tim seconded and the committee approved the motion by roll-call vote with recorded ayes. Staff said the letter will be finalized for the Select Board to sign at its meeting the next day. Muldoon thanked the committee and said the Authority will keep the committee informed on grant outcomes and next steps.

Next steps: Staff will finalize and transmit the committee's letter of support for the Steamship Authority's Build-program planning grant; the Steamship Authority expects notification of awards around June.