You can go in the water if you want to; I prefer to stay out!
"Gains for Boston-area beaches, warning on cutbacks; Panel calls for further spending on staff, equipment, public programs" by Brian MacQuarrie | Globe Staff June 02, 2014
State-owned beaches in Greater Boston are in much better condition than they were several years ago — the waters off South Boston are now deemed among the cleanest of the country’s urban beaches — but those gains are in jeopardy unless funding is found to support continued efforts, according to a state-authorized study to be released Tuesday.
The report by the Metropolitan Beaches Commission, which looked at 15 beaches from Lynn to Hull, found that nearly all are cleaner and extensive repairs to infrastructure such as sidewalks and bathhouses have made them more attractive and accessible to the public....
However, the panel warned that these gains are imperiled unless the state reverses big staffing cuts in its beach division, replaces aging maintenance and cleanup equipment, and makes the beaches even more attractive by expanding events and other public programming there....
In addition, the report said the state provides almost no funding for free beach programs such as sand-sculpture contests and children’s events. The commission recommended that the state dedicate 5 percent of its money spent on beach maintenance, or about $280,000 annually, to these programs.
“We believe that government has a responsibility to invest in programs on these beaches just as it does on the Esplanade,” Berman said. “It’s a very small amount of money with a big return in economic impact.”
Despite dozens of specific recommendations for upgrades along 19 miles of beaches, the report praised what the commission called a “sea change” in their condition....
More work remains, the commission reported. Beach closings still occur because of storm runoff, and infrastructure from water fountains to bathrooms needs repair and renovation.
An environmental bond bill pending at the state House contains about $60 million to address these and other beach improvements....
Which means the usual crowd benefiting from debt $ervice $lavery -- for beaches that should not have been neglected by government in the first place.
--more--"
