The Port of Boston has announced its full backing of the proposed Boston Barrier and has formally withdrawn its objection to the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application made by the Environment Agency in August 2016.
The change comes after extensive discussions between the Environment Agency and the Port around the proposed Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) which will go to a public inquiry next month.
The multi-million pound Boston Barrier is part of the Boston Combined Strategy that will reduce the risk of tidal flooding to over 17,000 properties in the area.
Orders under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (the TWA) can authorise guided transport schemes and certain infrastructure projects in England and Wales.
Boston Barrier Director, Adam Robinson said:
“We’re delighted to be working alongside the Port of Boston, the statutory Harbour Authority, to secure consent and enable the delivery of such an important scheme for the town of Boston, following the December 2013 tidal surge where many properties and businesses were affected.”
The Port has agreed that the Environment Agency can provide temporary berthing facilities for use by the Boston fishing fleet during construction of the proposed Barrier. They are also working with the them to ensure that the sequencing of the Barrier construction works would allow the Port’s operations to continue in a safe and efficient manner throughout the construction programme.
Representative of the Port of Boston, Neil Harris said:
“We are pleased to announce today that we are fully supportive of the Boston Barrier Scheme that the Environment Agency are promoting for the town of Boston.”
“We have been working closely with the Environment Agency throughout the optioneering and development phases of the Boston Barrier Scheme and we will continue to work together during the detailed design and construction stage, particularly in relation to ensuring the continued safe navigation of all vessels on the Haven.”
The Public Inquiry for the proposed Transport and Works Act Order starts on the 19th April.
The anticipated costs of the Scheme are identified in the Estimate of Costs submitted with the TWAO Application to the Secretary of State. The capital cost of the Scheme is identified in that document to be £97,395,000 (at 2015 prices).
The Environment Agency will fund the cost of implementing the works proposed to be authorised by the Order through its own resources. Funding to facilitate the construction of the Scheme has already been secured within the Agency’s investment programme for flood and coastal erosion risk management for the period 2015 to 2021. If delivered within the current programme period (by 2021), the Scheme will qualify for 100% flood and coastal erosion risk management grant in aid. Funding is therefore secure.
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