Designated Port Area

The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management has classified portions of the waterfront in New Bedford and Fairhaven as a Designated Port Area (DPA) under a program to preserve and promote maritime industry. The DPA classification encourages the creation or expansion of water-dependent industrial facilities in developed harbor areas. DPAs are subject to specific provisions, including land use restrictions, under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 91, which is administered by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection. DPAs also are officially identified as priority areas for federal and state funding, including funds available under the Seaport Bond.