East Boothbay, Maine – The Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) has received $100,000 from the Maine Business Recovery and Resilience Fund for use in rebuilding the organization’s pier which was damaged during the January 2024 winter storms.
“We are extremely pleased to be receiving this Grant,” said Pauline Dion, president and executive director of BSSC, who noted that the pier is critical to the success of its program.
The $100,000 grant was awarded by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Funds were part of a $60 million storm relief package secured by Governor Janet Mills last year.
The 24-foot wide, 82-foot long pier dates to the 1960’s. It was damaged when high water, surf and wind battered the aging structure. This pier connects the BSSC shorefront at 12 Carter Road to floats in Linekin Bay where the organization docks the boats it uses during their programs.
Custom Float Services of Portland is rebuilding the pier. Construction began on March 6 and is expected to be completed in time for the summer season.
BSSC’s first event on the new pier will be with the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library on April 23. “BSSC is thrilled to be partnering with the Library on an afternoon of stories about the sea and exploring the tidepools where ocean critters make their home”, said Dion.
Since 2013 BSSC has been offering equal and affordable access to sea and science experiential educational programs to youth ages 5 – 17 in the Boothbay Region and beyond.