Bill > H3894

This bill authorizes the city of Salem to create the Salem Harbor Port Authority, a public entity responsible for coordinating the development and operation of Salem Harbor and its related lands, referred to as the "Harbor Port Area." The Authority will be composed of the mayor and a city councilor from ward one, both serving automatically (ex officio), and three members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. At least two of these appointed members must be Salem residents with specific qualifications related to marine transportation or port operations. The Authority's primary goal is to enhance private and public revenues and investments within the Harbor Port Area, including infrastructure improvements like dredging, for the primary benefit of the City of Salem. The Authority will have operational control over city-owned port facilities, though existing management agreements will remain in effect until they expire. The bill also outlines the appointment process for Authority members, their terms, responsibilities, and limitations, emphasizing that members will not be compensated beyond expense reimbursement. It further allows for the appointment of a paid executive director, subject to the Authority's supervision, and details the Authority's powers, including the ability to borrow money, enter into contracts, and potentially acquire land through eminent domain within the Harbor Port Area. The Authority is also empowered to seek federal and state grants and contributions from any source.