Westport Island has received a $50,000 Maine Department of Transportation Small Harbor Improvement Program (SHIP) grant to install a float system on the Wright property, at the Ferry Landing on Westport Island.

The selectmen voted at their February 18 meeting to approve the agreement between the state and the town.

The Maine Department of Transportation is awarding nearly $1 million in grants to 21 coastal cities and towns under program this year.

Funds for the SHIP grants were authorized by the legislature and approved by Maine voters through a transportation bond referendum, in June 2007. These grants require a local match of between 25 and 75 percent.

The Westport Island grant will require a $20,000 match, about 29 percent, with a total cost of $70,000.

Two other towns in Lincoln County that received grants include Boothbay Harbor $18,000 with a 50 percent match of $18,000 for a piling replacement (a total cost of $36,000), and Wiscasset $30,000 with a $30,000 match to design a pier, a total cost of $60,000.

An interagency committee with representatives from five state agencies selected the successful projects based on criteria that included the economic impact of the project.

The goals of the program are to:

• "promote public access, economic development, and a commitment to preserving infrastructure along the coast;

• "help municipalities make improvements to public wharves, landings and boat ramps;"

• "protect a dwindling asset through a successful state, and local partnership'"

• "preserve natural resources based industries."

In the agreement between the state and Westport Island, the town agrees when the project is completed it will be available for public use by all citizens of the state.

The town will be able to charge reasonable user fees. This money is to be put in a separate account and used to offset the cost of operating and maintaining the facilities.

The MDOT may terminate the agreement and withdraw state funds if, after 18 months the town has not demonstrated substantial progress in the development of the project. However this won't prevent the town from resubmitting the project for future funding, according to the agreement.