SALEM — Fishers will soon return to the Salem Willows fishing pier to cast their lines as the popular pier has been fully reconstructed for the community to enjoy for years to come.
The Salem Willows has been without the pier for the past three years, after it had to be removed in 2021 due to safety concerns due to storm damage over the years and sea-level rise.
However, the year prior, the city had already begun working with the Department of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access (FBA) by entering a Land Management Agreement including the permitting, planning, and engineering of a new pier and landing area.
The new pier will extend out 346 feet into the Salem Sound, similar to the old pier, but with the addition of a 16-feet by 60-feet ‘T’-shaped dock at the end of the gangway to allow more room for people to fish.
“This space is so special and central in the memories of many in our community, and it has been for nearly 167 years since the willows became a public park in 1858,” Mayor Dominick Pangallo said.
“And thanks to this project, it’s going to continue to be special for generations to come, by providing public access to our waterways, opportunities for recreational fishing and a place for connecting with nature and with one another.”
Rebecca Tepper, secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, noted the importance of the initiative.
“Projects like this are key to realizing our vision for an accessible and inclusive waterfront,” she said. “This is especially vital for underserved and environmental justice communities.”
The $5 million project was made possible through state funding from the Department of Marine Fisheries, the Seaport Economic Council, federal dollars from the Sport Fish Restoration Program, the city’s own capital funds, a Community Preservation Act grant, American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Also, the state’s recreational anglers, whose annual purchases of sea water permits, were used to fund the reconstruction.
“We’re so fortunate in Salem to have these public accommodations and to be able to maintain them, upkeep them, repair them, and in this case, build them anew,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “We’re a coastal community where it’s not hard to get public access to the waterfront in beautiful spaces like this.
“ … Folks can come here and be able to make their own memories, whether it’s casting their first fishing line, enjoying popcorn or ice cream, or just getting close to the water, and that’s what I think makes Salem pretty special.”
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202