Wareham Selectmen authorize $75,000 grant request from Town Administrator

Dec 4, 2018

Selectmen authorized a $75,000 grant request to the Community Preservation Committee on Tuesday night for the construction of a small parking lot and kayak launch at 118 Sandwich Rd.

The request was put forth by Town Administrator Derek Sullivan who said the project would ideally be carried out in conjunction with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

“Creating a launch in this area would provide our residents with great water access,” Sullivan said. “This is an opportunity to do something really nice.”

Located along the Wareham River, 118 Sandwich Rd. was purchased by the town through a tax title after a house which previously stood at the property was destroyed by a fire. 

Each year, town officials and organizations request money for projects such as the kayak launch through the Community Preservation Act in four categories: open space, historic preservation, affordable housing and recreation. The money is raised through a 3 percent surcharge on property tax bills.

Sullivan must now bring his request before the Community Preservation Committee for approval. 

Spending of the requested funds will then go before voters at Town Meeting if approved.