As Gloucester, Salem, and Beverly increasingly look toward the ocean to generate more revenue through tourism and marine industries, the cities received a big boost last week when the state awarded nearly $10 million for shoreline infrastructure improvements. For Gloucester, the $5.6 million grant from the Seaport Advisory Council represents the largest subsidy the city has ever received, said Mayor Carolyn Kirk. She said the city would use the funds to rebuild sea walls along Blynman Canal and Stacy Boulevard, site of the storied Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial and Fishermen’s Wives Memorial. In addition, the city will spend $1.12 million on the project, which is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete. Read more...