A $200,000 grant to the nonprofit Boston Harbor Now will mean greater access to the waterfront and harbor islands for student groups and communities that have historically faced barriers to waterfront access.

The funding was announced as part of the state’s inaugural $2.3 million Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant, announced Aug. 13. This new effort from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection aims to reduce road congestion, make daily travel easier and connect more residents with the region’s cultural and historical assets.

For Boston Harbor Now, that focus on connection is especially important when it comes to breaking down barriers for communities that have historically been challenged in waterfront access.

“We really want to make sure that environmental justice c

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