A transfer of $146,330 from the Harbor Services Permits Receipts Reserved will go before voters at the Oct. 22 Town Meeting to fund what Wareham Harbormaster Garry Buckminster called a “medley of projects.” 

If approved, the transfer would place this money in the Harbormaster’s Maintenance and Improvements account to install new floating decks in Onset and conduct a dredge survey of the town. It would also be used to upgrade the communications systems used by Department of Natural Resources Officers and pay for leases on several pieces of equipment.

“It’s a positive push for infrastructure and keeping our waterways safe,” Buckminster said. “Without the transfer, we won’t be able to do anything.”

The current floating docks in Onset were installed back in the 1980s and are constructed from concrete which cannot be repaired without hiring an outside contractor.

“We’ve patched these docks up as many times as we can,” Buckminster explained. “It’s hit a point where replacing them would be cheaper than fixing them.”

According to Buckminster, the new floating docks could be repaired in-house eliminating the need for a contractor. These docks would also feature new amenities such as low level lighting and handicap accessibility.

“The goal is to be more user friendly,” Buckminster said. “Town docks aren’t a big money maker for us. We just want everyone to be safe.”

Likewise Buckminster said that a dredging survey would ensure that waterways not maintained by state remained navigable. He added that Shell Point in Onset was last dredged in the 1950s.

“We should be maintaining our smaller areas for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

The funds would also be used to upgrade the communications systems used by the Department of Natural Resources which is uniform with police and fire departments.

“We’ll be applying for grants in addition to the transfer,” Buckminster added. “We want to ensure as much funding down the road as possible.”