SMWRC partners with veterans’ group to build floating docks for Maine Marine Patrol

In May 2025, Vocational Trades Instructor (VTI) Corrine Bailey and the crew from the Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center (SMWRC) in Windham, part of the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC), began construction of a series of floating docks for the Maine Marine Patrol, based out of Boothbay Harbor.

Some of Windham's Southern Maine Women's Reentry
Center residents join Boothbay V.E.T.S. President Ed
Harmon and Vice President Arthur Richardson after
building new floating docks for the Maine Marine
Patrol based out of Boothbay Harbor.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

This latest project built on a successful partnership between MDOC and Boothbay V.E.T.S., a local veterans’ organization that previously collaborated with the crew on building emergency shelters for veterans in the region. That prior experience made for a seamless transition into the new dock construction project.

“Hands-on projects like this give our crew valuable real-world experience while supporting Maine communities,” said Bailey. “Working again with Boothbay V.E.T.S. and contributing to the Marine Patrol’s operations has been an incredible opportunity.”

Boothbay V.E.T.S. President Ed Harmon and Vice President Arthur Richardson offered the use of their workshop in Boothbay to complete the builds. Materials were supplied by Custom Float Services in South Portland and delivered in stages as work progressed.

The SMWRC team constructed eight floats in total – two measuring 10 feet by 24 feet, two at 8 feet by 25 feet, and four at 8 feet by 20 feet. The 8 feet by 20 feet docks are linked together and positioned parallel to the existing pier, requiring precise measurement to ensure proper placement of rub rails and chains.

Built to withstand rough seas and large vessel mooring, each dock features 4 inch by 8 inch pressure-treated frames and longitudinal joists ranging from 20 feet to 30 feet in length. Once outfitted with piling chains, boat cleats, and hardware, each dock weighs more than 2.5 tons.

On Sept. 19, a crane and truck from Fullers transported the completed floats, loading two at a time and hauling them to Juniper Point, where they were secured to a mooring. Final placement of the docks is scheduled for this month.

About the Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center (SMWRC)

Located in Windham, the Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center (SMWRC), part of the Maine Department of Corrections, is a minimum-security, pre-release facility that supports the successful reintegration of adult female residents with five years or less remaining on their sentences. With a capacity of up to 100 residents, SMWRC provides programs in education, substance use treatment, cognitive-behavioral development, community restitution, and work release -- helping residents build the skills and confidence needed for a successful return to their communities. <