A newly renovated commercial fishing pier in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is officially open, providing local fishermen with upgraded infrastructure and room to expand operations on the Seacoast.

New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte joined state officials Tuesday, Aug. 25, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the commercial fishing pier on Peirce Island, according to New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR). The $1.24 million project replaces a deteriorating facility dating to 1979.

“New Hampshire's whole fishing industry, it's iconic,” Ayotte said during the ceremony. “It's something that's passed down through generations. It's something that really defines New Hampshire and our Seacoast.”

The state dedicated $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to the project, along with another $240,000 in operating funds from the New Hampshire Division of Ports and Harbors. The investment follows other improvements at Peirce Island, including reconstruction of a nearby seawall and installation of a new pier.

The renovated facility includes refrigerated bait storage and infrastructure for unloading catch. About a dozen lobstermen are already renting space at the pier for $1,000 annually, Richard Hartley, director of the New Hampshire Division of Ports and Harbors, told NHPR.

“I want to make sure that I provide the commercial fishermen in New Hampshire every opportunity to succeed at a very affordable rate,” Hartley said.

Two hoists used by lobstermen to move catch from vessels to waiting trucks are currently operating. A third newly installed hoist will require upgrades after being incorrectly designed and installed, according to Hartley. Gasoline and diesel tanks at the site are also back online following intermittent issues.

One amenity fishermen do not yet have is an on-site ice supplier. Hartley said the state continues to look for a vendor, though providing ice at the pier has so far not proven economically viable.

The improvements come as New Hampshire's relatively small commercial fleet continues to contribute millions of dollars to the state's economy. A recent University of New Hampshire study estimated the state's local catch at roughly $75 million annually, generated by 144 active commercial fishing permits.

Executive Councilor Janet Stevens, who advocated for the project, said the investment also helps preserve a longstanding piece of the state's working waterfront.

“These fishermen don't simply bring seafood to market,” Stevens said. “They represent a tradition of hard work, independence, stewardship and resilience.”

Former Gov. Chris Sununu supported directing federal COVID-19 relief funds toward the project, according to Stevens, despite some initial opposition from other councilors.

For Hartley, the goal of the upgraded Peirce Island facility is straightforward.

“We want seafood to thrive,” he told NHPR. “We want these fishermen to thrive, and we think they're worth it.”