Federal Money Approved to Replace Dock in Watertown Square

During Watertown's Pearl Harbor Remembrance on last weekend, Veterans Services Officer Bob Erickson said he hoped that next year the ceremony could be held on the dock on the Charles River in Watertown Square, and he may get his wish.

State Rep. Jonathan Hecht, D-Watertown, said Wednesday that federal funds have been approved to cover much of the cost of replacing the dock, which washed away in March 2010 during the heavy rains.

"The latest news we have is the federal government has agreed to make money available for the state to replace the dock," Hecht said.

Hecht, state Rep. Peter Koutoujian and state Sen. Steven Tolman have been working with FEMA – the Federal Emergency Management Agency – to get money for the dock as part of the disaster relief from the floods in Massachusetts.

"Everyone agrees the dock needs to be replaced," Hecht said. "It's an important part of the infrastructure of the town."

All that remains at the bottom of the staircase at the intersection of Galen Street and Charles River Road is a set of wooden poles poking out of the water.

The dock is owned by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Hecht said.

Watertown's Beacon Hill officials also worked with Congressman Edward Markey's office to help move the approval of the money along, Hecht said.

The federal dollars will not cover the total cost of the dock, Hecht said.

"We are working now with DCR to figure out how that money would flow," Hecht said. "We are also figuring out how much additional money may be need to get it done."

Hecht said he did not know the price tag for the dock, or what exactly it will look like.

"Hopefully, it be a more modern, sturdy dock," Hecht said.