Frequently Asked Questions

General

1. Who owns New Bedford State Pier?

New Bedford State Pier is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through its Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). MassDevelopment has managed and operated the eight-acre property since 2017.

2. Who is MassDevelopment?

MassDevelopment is the Commonwealth’s development finance agency and land bank. We are committed to achieving three goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and helping communities thrive across Massachusetts. Our team works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to deliver a wide variety of programs and services, such as loans, tax-exempt bonds, grants, real estate technical assistance, and more. During FY2024, MassDevelopment financed or managed 349 projects generating investment of more than $3.5 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 22,426 jobs and build or preserve 1,754 housing units.

3. Where can I learn more about the proposed uses and redevelopments of the pier?

A brief summary of the request for proposals and the proposals are available here.

4. What uses are allowed on the pier and where on the pier?

The pier is located within the New Bedford-Fairhaven Designated Port Area and uses are subject to the Massachusetts c. 91 Waterways regulations (301 CMR 9.00). Legislation allows for up to 20% of the site to be used for accessory uses (as defined in the regulations) on the western (landward) edge of the property and up to another 20% of the pier to be used for offshore wind development and operations. Prohibited uses include facilities for offshore oil and gas exploration or development. More information is available in the RFP, specifically Section 3 and Exhibit 3.

5. Where can I learn more about the operations of the pier?

More information, including pier specs, regulations, rules, and day rates, is available here.

6. There's already construction on the pier. Is that related to these proposals?

MassDevelopment continues to make capital repairs throughout the property, including the replacement of the North Wharf, construction of which is scheduled for late 2025. These repairs were identified in a capital needs assessment, are necessary to maintain current and future uses, but are unrelated to this RFP process.

7. How can I stay up-to-date on activity on the pier?

Subscribe below for future updates.

8. More questions?

Let us know here!

Location

About MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment is the Commonwealth’s development finance agency and land bank. We are committed to achieving three goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and helping communities thrive across Massachusetts. Our team works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to deliver a wide variety of programs and services, such as loans, tax-exempt bonds, grants, real estate technical assistance, and more. During FY2024, MassDevelopment financed or managed 349 projects generating investment of more than $3.5 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 22,426 jobs and build or preserve 1,754 housing units.

Since 2017, MassDevelopment has managed and operated the New Bedford State Pier on behalf of the Commonwealth, which owns the pier through its Department of Conservation and Recreation. MassDevelopment continues to invest in this critical marine asset to ensure its continued production for the region, the Commonwealth, and marine industries. The pier (along with Jodrey State Fish Pier in Gloucester, which MassDevelopment has managed and operated on behalf of the Commonwealth since 1995) is staffed by maritime and real estate professionals to maximize their utilization.