Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

November 2, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

City Receives Final Approval for New Boardwalk

HAVERHILL- Mayor James J. Fiorentini, State Senator Stephen A. Baddour (D-Methuen), State Representatives Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill) and Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover) today announced that the city has received final State funding approval and completion of 100% design for a new downtown boardwalk along the Merrimack River to be installed behind The Tap Restaurant.

All of the funding for the boardwalk will come from the State. No city funds are involved.

The design of the boardwalk was undertaken by the Earth Tech Company of Concord, MA. The final design was approved by Mass Highway. The project also involves a complete rebuilding of the existing Riverwalk located on Merrimack Street behind the Haverhill Bank.

The boardwalk project has been on the books in Haverhill for approximately fifteen years. The city had been unable to obtain design approval for a variety of reasons, including the necessity of the boardwalk to withstand an earthquake. In addition, it was not yet possible to obtain enough funding to create a boardwalk the entire length of the river between the Comeau and Basiliere bridges.

Mayor Fiorentini made the decision to begin the boardwalk with the stretch behind the Tap and to redo the existing boardwalk.

“A boardwalk is a critical economical development vehicle to bring people to our downtown,” stated the Mayor. “It also helps bring to greater fruition my vision, shared by many, of reconnecting residents with the River,” he added.

Senator Baddour stated he was pleased to lend his support to the proposed project.

“I am always pleased to be a part of any project that helps to highlight the city as a destination for visitors and tourists,” said Baddour

"The funding for the Boardwalk project is a vital step towards the continued economic development and revitalization of downtown Haverhill," added Rep. Brian S. Dempsey.

State Representative Barbara L’Italien noted:

“The development of a new boardwalk will certainly be a contributing factor to the growth of the city of Haverhill.”

Actual construction of the boardwalk is expected to start this upcoming Spring, 2008.