ROCKLAND, Maine — The city’s former, and first full-time, harbor master was on hand Thursday to help cut the ribbon during a ceremonial opening of a new handicapped accessible gangway at Rockland’s public landing.
“I believed in Rockland’s harbor long ago and I still believe in it,” said former Harbor Master Ken Rich before he helped Mayor Frank Isganitis cut the ribbon. Rich served as harbor master from 1992 to 1997.
Current Harbor Master Ed Glaser said engineer Bill Lane of Gartley and Dorsky designed the gangway to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new gangway is 80 feet long, is wide enough for wheelchairs, and has rails at the proper height for people in wheelchairs.
While the angle will still be somewhat steep at low tide, Glaser said the length makes the grade about half what the other gangway is.
The brief ceremony at the public landing was held as the cruise ship Independence was docked there.
“This is fantastic,” said Capt. Henry Thorpe of the Independence.
There are often passengers from cruise ships who use wheelchairs, or canes and this will make it easier for them to come ashore.
“Access to the water and especially the use of a public landing should have as few roadblocks as possible,” Glaser said. “This new gangway has brought us a bit closer to our goal of preserving and improving that access for all — residents and visitors alike. The boating public, cruise ship passengers, the casual stroller and an aging harbormaster can all appreciate the improved boarding angle, especially at low tide.”
The cost of the project was $68,000. Half the money was paid for through a state Small Harbor Improvement Program grant and revenues from the Fisher Engineering tax increment financing district, the harbor master said.