Cradled between "The Stars and Stripes Forever" and other patriotic songs played by the Maine Army National Guard band on the deck of the Eastport Port Authority office and the non-stop booming, brilliant flashes of the Eastport Fourth of July's fantastic fireworks display over the Navy destroyer U.S.S. Lassen, the rededication ceremony for the new $15 million Eastport breakwater on July 4 was surrounded in a sea of red, white and blue. The event drew three-quarters of the state's congressional delegation, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol, state, county and local officials.
     Noting that the breakwater has now risen "like a phoenix from the ashes," former Maine Senate President Kevin Raye of Perry, who served as master of ceremonies, observed that one cannot overstate the importance of the breakwater to the economy, vibrancy and spirit of Eastport. Raye pointed out that among those attending the rededication, along with the speakers, were commanding officers from the U.S.S. Lassen; U.S. Coast Guard Captain Michael Baroody, commander of Sector Northern New England; Josh Smith, officer in charge of USCG Station Eastport; Todd Smith, patrol agent in charge of the      Border Patrol's Calais station; county, city and port authority representatives; and Eldon Morrison, CEO and founder of CPM Constructors, the contractor for the project.
     U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who as chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, secured $6 million federal TIGER grant funding for the breakwater, stated that the pier is essential for commercial and recreational fishing, cruise ships and national security, as it serves as a base for the U.S. Coast Guard and border protection services. The breakwater also broadens the area's access to the world, as it "laid the foundation for the Estes Head terminal." Noting the value of having committed federal, state and local partners, she said the day was one for celebrating      "Eastport's connection to the global economy and what can happen when all work together."
     U.S. Senator Angus King, who assisted in securing the TIGER funding, related how the breakwater reconstruction project embodied what he referred to as the four "p"s -- a plan, with federal money having been obtained for rebuilding the pier before the partial collapse; a partnership of state, federal and local agencies; perseverance to keep going despite the obstacles; and passion, with people "who really care."
     Congressman Bruce Poliquin echoed the theme of the partnership and of government helping to rebuild "a huge piece of Downeast infrastructure."
Noting the U.S. Navy destroyer at the breakwater, Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt said that he had taken part in many ribbon-cuttings but "never with this kind of backdrop." He observed that the state has "a lot of aging infrastructure" that one can't take for granted. "You don't know what's missing until it's gone." The rebuilding of the breakwater is "a great infrastructure project" that helps "make our state move," he stated.
     Paul Koziell of CPM Constructors pointed to some of the challenges during the over two years of work, including wind and snow; federal regulations on acoustic monitoring for seals and sturgeon; working on a reconstruction project of two older sections; and "finding rock everywhere you did not want it to be." Among the project's statistics that he cited were 1.6 million pounds of sheetpiling; 330,000 pounds of rebar; 29,000 cubic yards of fill excavated; and 102 CPM employees who at one time or another worked on the rebuilding.
     Chris Gardner, executive director of the Eastport Port Authority, recognized all who assisted with the project. He noted in particular how the MDOT, under Commissioner Bernhardt's leadership, had helped fill a $3 million funding hole and how Tony McKim, president and CEO of the First National Bank, had assisted with funding so the facility could be built. While the community did not have "a breakwater collapse manual" when the pier fell in on December 4, 2014,      Gardner said it "now could write one." The original breakwater was built 55 years ago, and now, after the work of many, the community is paying it forward so that future generations can enjoy it.
     Also speaking were Gilbert Murphy, president of the Eastport City Council; Robert Bouchard of the federal Maritime Administration; and Tony McKim. Following the remarks, John Sullivan, chair of the Eastport Port Authority board, cut the ribbon for the new breakwater.