BOSTON – Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray will visit Newburyport Friday at 4:30 p.m. to tour the site of the proposed Harborwalk connector for the city’s boardwalk. The public is invited to Michael’s Harborside Restaurant to hear the Lt. Governor speak about the importance of Rail Trails in the Commonwealth following the tour.
Murray is the Chair of the Seaport Advisory Council, which will review a $350,000 funding request for the Harborwalk project. Mayor John F. Moak, State Representative Michael A. Costello and State Senator Steven A. Baddour will try to impress upon Murray the economic and recreational benefits of the Harborwalk
“The Harborwalk is a critical link between the city’s rail trail and the boardwalk. My administration has made significant progress toward its completion,” said Moak. “I am pleased that the Governor’s Office has taken an interest in this project. This is the Lieutenant Governor’s third visit to the First Essex District, and I have spoken to him personally each time about its importance.”
When completed, the Harborwalk will connect the city’s business district with the North End neighborhood. It will also provide a vital link in the five-mile Clipper City Rail Trail system. Tourists will be able to take the Commuter Rail to Newburyport and walk from the train station to downtown and then to the boardwalk.
“The Harborwalk project is all about opportunities for Newburyport,” said Costello. “Opportunities for economic growth as the waterfront is developed, opportunities for tourism, opportunities to encourage alternative modes of transportation and recreational opportunities.”