Menino Pledges To Improve East Boston Waterfront

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is promising $1 million a year to improve Boston's harbor transportation. The plan would be paid with a $1 to $2 surcharge on cruise ship traffic in the city.

On Tuesday, Menino unveiled a 90-day plan to meet with developers, unions and East Boston residents. He plans to jumpstart new construction by offering business financing, and building a new marine terminal for water transportation.

"Together, we’ll make sure people standing downtown looking across the harbor no longer see just potential, but progress," Menino said.

That move would require state approval, but Bruce Berman, with the group Save The Harbor, Save The Bay, said he doesn't think that will stall the project.

"Everybody agrees that it would be good for the city, good for the economy, and frankly, make us more competitive and more attractive as a destination," Berman said.

Menino said stalled developments on the East Boston waterfront hold the potential for hundreds of jobs, and half a billion dollars in development. He also supports East Boston as a location for one of the state's three resort casinos, but said his development plans have nothing to do with a bid for a casino there.

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