Harbor Expansion and Marine Related Development

Often harbor and other marine related projects are studied and proposed in isolation. A better vision would be to consider waterfront and harbor development in a more holistic manner. There are seldom functions or activities occurring within a community that are not in some part dependent on another enterprise or activity. A boatlift, for example, may not be a profitable enterprise in itself. However the economic activity generated by repairs, storage and other maintenance functions would provide a much greater economic benefit to the community than that reflected in the cost of a boat lift. There are numerous public economic benefits available to the community if these possibilities are introduced within the initial harbor planning process.

The question to us is what defines a harbor related activity. Coastal communities typically have strong ties to the marine environment, recreation and transportation. It is important to plan harbor construction projects that are also favorable to local users and businesses. Not only do these enterprises interact with the harbor, but they also have business relationships with each other. A charter operator will depend on the harbor for moorage and purchase parts from a local hardware store.

Any future harbor development will immediately impact local businesses through increased visitation both from visitors and residents. The potential for further community development through harbor expansion includes new parks, trails, retail outlets and environmental facilities. Jobs will be created in the vessel support industry as well. Planning efforts for a new harbor should not be limited to just the construction of a mooring basin and floating docks. A new harbor could be the focal point of a community reaching its true economic potential and thus providing real benefits to all those visiting the harbor.

Tags: Harbor Expansion Marine Development