MassDevelopment has provided a $100,000 loan to Santapaola Wharf LLC, the owners of the wharf off East Main Street in Gloucester. The company will use funds from MassDevelopment’s Cape Ann Revolving Loan Fund to replace piles and deteriorated decking on the wharf.

The wharf has been operational since 1874. The Santapaolas, who purchased it in 2008, fish mostly cod and use the wharf to house their fishing boats. Renovations will also provide additional docking space for other personal and commercial boats. The project is expected to create three jobs.

"We have been in the fishing business in our family for over 75 years," said the Santapaola family in a statement. "When we were seeking to upgrade our wharf so that more generations of Santapaolas could continue to fish, we approached the Rockport National Bank and Sen. Bruce Tarr. The senator suggested that we contact MassDevelopment and from there it was smooth sailing. We would like to thank everyone for helping us preserve our fishing heritage."

"This wharf represents an important piece of infrastructure for our commercial fishing industry, and reflects the commitment and hard work of the Santapaola family to keep the industry alive," said State Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester. "Their commitment to the industry is being matched by the commitment of MassDevelopment, and the result is a strong partnership with real results for fishing families."