New Bedford Port Authority Refutes OIG Allegations on Popes Island Marina

OIG Findings Compromised By Incomplete Investigation

NEW BEDFORD, MA — The New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) today released a detailed response to the Massachusetts Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) investigation into the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation’s (DCR) and New Bedford Port Authority’s conduct related to the Popes Island Marina located in New Bedford harbor.

The NBPA is refuting claims made by the OIG in a report issued on November 18, 2025 which painted both agencies with the same brush as negligent in their responsibilities for the facility. The NBPA contends that the report unfairly and inaccurately attributed various shortcomings to the Port Authority without conducting a complete or rigorous investigation that would have distinguished between the culpability of the two agencies.