The state's new DCR chief gave Fall River the secret to waterfront development: Here it is

FALL RIVER — He’s only been on the job for four months, but Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo took a day-trip to the SouthCoast on Tuesday to check out some of DCR’s assets like Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport, Heritage State Park and Battleship Cove in Fall River.

The former mayor of Revere, a position he held for seven years, Arrigo was appointed by Gov. Maura Healey in April to lead DCR, the agency that oversees the commonwealth’s 450,000 acres of beaches, parks, forests and open space.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn about the SouthCoast and bring it back with me to Boston and to make sure we are making truly informed decisions and how we invest our dollars,” said Arrigo, while standing at the boardwalk in Heritage State Park with “Big Mamie” in the background.

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The tour was hosted by state Sen. Michael Rodrigues and attended by some of the area's Statehouse delegation.

Arrigo said he’s been “consistently amazed” by the DCR's properties as he settles into his new role and sees some of the work that needs to be done.

“But when you see gems, the investment and the opportunity that lies in certain areas, and certainly on the SouthCoast we see that very clearly,” said Arrigo.

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It was Arrigo’s first time at Battleship Cove.

Right before Arrigo was given a tour of the Battleship Massachusetts — the museum that is docked on DCR property abutting the State Pier, which the state agency also owns — Rodrigues joked that during their travels that day, the commissioner was given an extensive wish list by the delegation.

Rodrigues said the top item on his wish list, which he expressed to the administration and the commissioner, has recently been delivered to the city.

That was the $7 million appropriation in the new budget to repair the docks where Battleship Cove's collection is berthed, announced last week by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll during her tour of the maritime museum.

“That’s big capital money, it’s part of the capital improvement plan, and that was our first meeting in partnership with MassDevelopment,” said Rodrigues, referring to the agency that runs the State Pier. “That’s critical because if that part of the pier fails, there is no access to the Battleship.”

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That part of the pier is also critical because it's where all the power and water and utilities come onto the ship, said Rodrigues.

Arrigo said the funding is good for two fiscal years.

And Rodrigues said people have been impressed with the investments DCR has made the last few years at Horseneck Beach, including a fund that allows for an ambulance and two paramedics on site between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., shortening critical response times.

“And they gave us a wish list too,” said Rodrigues.

“We need to get equipment to move some gravel around, especially after storm events,” said Rodrigues.

Arrigo: Fall River should keep up momentum to develop waterfront

When Healey appointed Arrigo, she spoke of his work transforming the Revere waterfront, which boasts stewardship of the country’s oldest public beach: Revere Beach.

As a former mayor of a Gateway City like Fall River with a burgeoning waterfront of its own, Arrigo was asked if he had any advice for a city bent on successful redevelopment.

“Seeing things getting done, or starting to get done, it’s taking advantage of that momentum that is created and not stopping,” said Arrigo. “If you have a vision, if you have a north star, surround yourself with really great people.”

Arrigo said it is important to build trust with the public sector, the private sector and the private nonprofit sector.

“Take full advantage of folks in power and help leverage certain funding sources and get to work,” said Arrigo.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: DCR chief Arrigo: Fall River needs 'momentum' to develop waterfront