Arthur F. Dias Landing

Feasibility Study

The Arthur F. Dias Landing is one of the most popular access points for the public to Padanaram Harbor. Managed by the Town of Dartmouth Harbormaster’s Department with support from the Waterways Management Commission, each year thousands of boats are launched at the boat ramp and hundreds visit the site for the view of the northern end of the Harbor.

In the recent past, there have been several improvements made to the site. Security lighting and cameras have been installed, new dinghy and kayak racks are in place, and parking lines have been repainted.

Now, the Waterways Management Commission is considering a sizable increase in floating dockage—primarily to support dinghies and other small craft. A recent Feasibility Study highlights the need for additional small craft dockage in the harbor and, with competitive pricing, can be self-supporting. You can read the Dias Landing Feasibility Study here.

The next step in the process is to design and permit the proposed small boat docking facility. The feasibility study examined various factors such as existing conditions, facilities in other communities, parking, amenities, cost estimates, environmental impacts, potential revenue and expenses, and more.

If the Waterways Management Commission decides to move forward on the project, funding will be sought through grants for design and construction costs. The feasibility study was funded by the Seaport Economic Council.

Design

The Town is looking to build off of the Dias Landing Marina Feasibility Study by designing and permitting a small craft docking facility.

Throughout the feasibility study, there was continuous evidence that proved that this project is feasible, strongly supported throughout Town, and would be a great addition to the coastal economy in Dartmouth and the South Coast. The design will provide the layout of the facility including the number of boat spaces and parking needed to support the facility. The design will also identify the materials to be used and prepare documents for permitting.

The design process is expected to cost $62,500 and was funded by the FY23 Seaport Economic Council (SEC) Grant and Community Preservation Funding. The design is expected to be completed in early to mid-2024.

Construction

Once the design is completed, the project is set to be built. The cost estimate of construction is $1,247,000 and will be funded through the FY2023 Seaport Economic Council (SEC) Grant, Community Preservation Funding.

April 2024

On April 10 the Town advertised invitations to bid meaning, the Town received price proposals from contractors to complete the project.

The bids closed on April 26. The Town received a total of eight qualified bids, and as of May 6, the bid is in review and pending award.