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To provide protection to nearby residents, businesses, buildings, and infrastructure, including roads and utilities, the City is advancing a renewed coastal resilience infrastructure project for Fort Point Channel. Previously expected to receive a Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant (FY 2019) from FEMA, the termination of that grant in September 2025 necessitated certain modifications to the project to better align with available local funding and anticipated design timeline. Prior to grant termination, the City made significant headway on the project, including:
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Gathering robust community input through several stakeholder engagement opportunities
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Advancing the project through state and local permitting requirements
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Establishing collaborative relationships with the landowners on which the project will be constructed
This progress provides a strong foundation for the current effort.
Project Goals and Objectives
Fort Point is one of Boston’s most distinctive waterfront neighborhoods — a former industrial district that has evolved into a creative, modern, and walkable area while still keeping much of its historic character. The neighborhood also provides easy access to downtown Boston, South Station, and the South Boston Waterfront.
This area along the Fort Point Channel was identified as a priority for coastal resilience infrastructure investment in Climate Ready Boston and Coastal Resilience Solutions for South Boston. Increasing frequency and severity of storm surge will lead to more regular flooding despite the existing seawall.
While there have been different iterations of the project over the years, the current proposal aims to accomplish the following:
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Build a coastal flood protection system along the inland edge of the Harborwalk, consisting of a permanent concrete barrier and temporary aluminum flood protection panels that are installed during a flood event.
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Provide public amenities like new landscaping and open space, where feasible, while minimizing disruption to Harborwalk access and existing industrial uses
- Coordinate integration with other resilience projects along the Fort Point Channel
Engagement