On Monday, Delahunt will join with Quincy, Hingham and Salem operators of Harbor Express Boat, local activists and state transportation officials to discuss efforts to boost regional ferry service as an alternative to commuters that are growing frustrated with the mounting delays traveling to Boston.   In the aftermath of the Big Dig crisis, ferry ridership from the South Shore has exploded.  Monday’s roundtable is a chance for federal and local officials to see first-hand the benefits of ferry transportation and the benefits it can offer to commuters, as well as to learn what additional measures are needed to support increased demand – from parking to additional water transit routes.

The event will take place at 10:40 aboard the Harbor Express Commuter Boat bound for Boston.  Please arrive early, the boat departs on time at 10:40.  (703 Washington Street, Quincy, MA 02169)

On Tuesday, Delahunt will join with state and local officials in ceremonies to celebrate the acquisition of 28 acres of Plymouth Center Hill Beach.  The property was formerly owned by Joslin Diabetes Foundation and used as a camp for children with diabetes. It includes a barrier beach, a pond and marsh system and offers panoramic views of the Bay and Cape Cod from Sandy Neck in Sandwich to the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown.  Although Plymouth has over 50 miles of coastline, little of it is accessible to the public. 

The final price tag for the beach acquisition is $4 million.  The town of Plymouth has committed $3.15 million toward the project while the Commonwealth is contributing $850,000.  Congressman Delahunt is actively working to pursue matching funds from the federal government to help reimburse Plymouth.

Current speakers at the event include Rep. Delahunt; Paul Withington of the  Community Preservation Committee; State Environmental Secretary, Stephen Pritchard; State Representatives, Tom O’Brien and  Vinny deMacedo; Chairman of the Plymouth Board of Selectman, Dick Quintal; DCR Commissioner Stephen Burrington; and, Executive Director of Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Mass, Mark Primack.

The ceremony will take place at 2pm on the barrier beach on Center Hill Road, Plymouth.

Directions:   Take Route 3 South to Exit 2, east toward Cedarville.  Turn left on Route 3A at the lights which is State Road.  Go 3 miles North of Cedarville – go past sign for Ellersville State Park and about l00 yards, you will see Center Hill Road on the right – take the right and o down the  road l/2 mile – look for parking lot on the right – beach access from the parking lot, house is at top of hill.  There will be reserved parking spaces.

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