Town Meeting voters on Tuesday approved a $146,330 transfer of funds collected through boating fees to install new floating docks in Onset and conduct a dredge survey of the town. The funds, placed in the Harbormaster’s Maintenance and Improvements account, will also provide support for a variety of smaller projects to be carried out by the Wareham Department of Natural Resources. 

“It’s a positive push for infrastructure and keeping our waterways safe,” said Wareham Harbormaster Garry Buckminster.

Installed back in 1987, the current floating docks in Onset have been in continuous use for 31 years and have sustained significant damage from storms such as Hurricane Bob in years past. Town Administrator Derek Sullivan added that the floating docks in Onset are some of the oldest designs still in operation per their manufacturer. 

Plans call for replacing the existing concrete docks with a new wood system that is easier to maintain and can be removed from the water in the event of severe storms.

The new docks will also be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and feature amenities such as lighting, electrical outlets, running water, ice prevention equipment and a waste station. All existing pilings for the docks will also be replaced.

The estimated cost of the project is not expected to exceed $420,000 and will be carried out over the course of a 7-year borrowing period with department applying for grants along the way.

A dredge survey of the town will focus on Wareham’s smaller waterways such as channels and mooring fields. According to officials, this initial process will allow the town to apply for new grants which target similar small-scale dredge projects.

Other efforts to be carried out include paying the leases on five vehicles used by the Department of Natural Resources and covering the yearly contract that maintains the Harbormaster’s reports management system. These funds will additionally purchase new communications equipment such as radios for Natural Resource Officers and a hydraulic dumper to assist in mooring maintenance and the removal of marine debris.

Because these funds are taken from a reserve outside the town’s tax structure, residents will not see their taxes increase as a result of this article being passed.