3/10/10—The First Selectman’s Coastal Resources Advisory Committee has announced the implementation of a new leading edge on line mooring management system.

With over twenty seven miles of coastline, seven harbors, three Federal Navigation channels, four Town leased boating clubs, four private yacht clubs, and more than 700 moorings, Greenwich represents one of the largest, most diverse and beautiful yet challenging coastal resources in the State.

This new software system, developed by Fuss & O’Neill Technologies, is in use today in Shelter Island, NY, Waterford, CT, Falmouth ME, and Portsmouth. It is designed to meet the challenges of mooring management. The system includes permits, renewals, wait lists, online payments, mooring coordinates, vessel information, and emergency warning capabilities. It has been modified by the vendor with no additional cost to include a number of suggestions received from the committee, Jonathan Asch, the Harbormaster, and the boating public.

The new system was demonstrated to the boating public at the Coastal Resources meeting held Monday, March 8, 2010, at the Greenwich Boat and Yacht Club. The many safety features of the system include the ability of the Marine Police and the Harbormaster to quickly identify the owner or an emergency contact designee provided by the boater, in critical situations. A paper work option and help desk will also be available.

The system is linked to Google Earth and that will aid the Harbormaster in optimizing critical mooring field assignment locations. The Town’s mooring wait list will be accessible to the boating public for entry of new requests and viewing of existing wait list status. The system includes significant security, access, and backup features. It also facilitates and tracks two-way communication via email and regular mail.

The nominal cost for the system has been built in to new mooring fees that were recommended by the Committee and unanimously approved by the three Selectmen at a public meeting in March 2009. The cost for all other taxpayers is $0.00.

The Coastal Resources Advisory Committee is composed of 15 members representing a very diverse set of credentials and a strong commitment to volunteer their time and talents to enhance our waterways. The Committee has spent countless hours and invested hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of volunteer experience on behalf of all town residents to improve our coastal resources.

For additional information, please contact John Craine at jcraine@optonline.net or 203-698-0118.