Amendment paves the way for transfer of land to Gulf of Maine Research Institute in exchange for new berth for Coast Guard
 
The House today passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, which included an amendment written by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to help the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) expand its facilities and complete construction of a new bulkhead and wharf that will provide the local Coast Guard station with much-needed berthing space.
 
“The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is conducting important research that helps support commercial fishing, as well as educating Maine schoolchildren about the Gulf of Maine and about the importance of science,” Pingree said.  “This legislation will enable GMRI to grow and expand their mission.”
 
“At the same time, this deal will give the Coast Guard the new berthing space they need.  This space will allow Coast Guard boats to be protected from the weather and ready to respond to search and rescue missions during storms,” Pingree said.
 
The Coast Guard agreed to transfer 3.5 acres of land along the Portland waterfront to GMRI in 2002, in exchange for the construction of a $4 million bulkhead that the Coast Guard would use to berth their vessels. The current deal expires this year, and GMRI has raised most, but not all, of the necessary funding to build the bulkhead.  Pingree’s amendment gives GMRI additional time to finish raising funds for the project.
 
“This amendment gives us the time to get this bulkhead project started this year and completed next year.  We’re looking forward to having the Coast Guard here, using our facility,” said Don Perkins, President of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.