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Congresswoman Chellie Pingree amends Coast Guard legislationto help Portland research facility and local Coast Guard
Amendmentpaves the way of transfer of land for Gulf of Maine Research Institute inexchange for new berth for Coast Guard

For immediate release
October 23, 2009
Contact: Willy Ritch 207-841-8400

The House today passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 today, whichincluded an amendment written by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to help the Gulfof Maine Research Institute (GMRI) expand its facilities and complete constructionof a new bulkhead and wharf that will provide the local Coast Guard stationwith much-needed berthing space.

"The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is conducting important research thathelps support commercial fishing, as well as educating Maine schoolchildrenabout 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 spacethey need. This space will allow Coast Guard boats to be protected fromthe 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 Portlandwaterfront to GMRI in 2002, in exchange for the construction of a $4 millionbulkhead that the Coast Guard would use to berth their vessels. The currentdeal expires this year, and GMRI has raised most, but not all of the necessaryfunding to build the bulkhead. Pingree's amendment gives GMRI additionaltime to finish raising funds for the project.

"This amendment gives us the time to get this bulkhead project started thisyear and completed next year. We're looking forward to having the CoastGuard here, using our facility," said Don Perkins, President of the Gulf ofMaine Research Institute.

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