2026 Municipal Harbor Plan Submittal and Hearing

The attached public notice was published in the Environmental Monitor and New Bedford Standard Times on Friday, August 7, 2026. As noted, a public hearing will be held virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 6 PM.

Witten comments on the MHP will be considered and should be emailed to Samuel.haines@mass.gov. Comments must be received by 5 PM on September 8, 2026, but are welcomed any time during the comment period.

This MHP represents a renewed partnership between our two communities to guide the future of New Bedford Harbor and the Acushnet River in a manner that strengthens our maritime economy, advances environmental restoration and coastal resiliency, and enhances public access to this critical shared resource. The 2026 MHP reaffirms our commitment to the Harbor’s role as the nation’s highest-value commercial fishing port and as a premier Designated Port Area supporting seafood processing, vessel repair and fabrication, marine transportation, and emerging water-dependent industries. At the same time, it advances a forward-looking framework for climate resilience, infrastructure investment, improved watersheet management, and expanded public access — including continued advancement of the New Bedford RiverWalk and enhanced connections between our waterfronts and downtown districts.