In a recent government meeting, officials outlined plans to update the community goals and policies guiding land use along local harbors, with a focus on addressing critical issues such as boating, fishing, climate change, public access, and natural resources. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive document that will inform state decision-making and align with existing plans.

The last update to this plan was conducted in 2009, and the new version is set to be released in the fall of 2024, following a series of public meetings and surveys conducted over the past year and a half. The timeline includes a public meeting scheduled for summer 2024, where draft recommendations will be presented, followed by another meeting in winter 2025 to gather further public input.

Key to this update is the expansion of planning areas to address the impacts of sea level rise and flooding, particularly in regions previously covered by the 2009 plan. Officials emphasized that the updated document will serve as a reference for the state over the next decade, ensuring that community priorities are considered in future developments and requests.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in shaping the plan, with officials encouraging public reflection and comment on the draft recommendations. The collaborative effort aims to create a robust framework that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future needs in the harbors.