Editing Salem, Massachusetts (section)

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
====Roads====
[[File:Veterans Memorial Bridge.JPG|thumb|Veterans Memorial Bridge between Salem and [[Beverly, Massachusetts|Beverly]]]]

The connection between Salem and Beverly is made across the Danvers River and Beverly Harbor by three bridges, the Kernwood Bridge to the west, and a railroad bridge and the Essex Bridge, from the land between Collins Cove and the North River, to the east. The [[Veterans Memorial Bridge (Essex County, Massachusetts)|Veterans Memorial Bridge]] carries [[Massachusetts Route 1A]] across the river. Route 1A passes through the eastern side of the city, through South Salem towards Swampscott. For much of its length in the city, it is coextensive with [[Massachusetts Route 114|Route 114]], which goes north from Marblehead before merging with Route 1A, and then heading northwest from downtown towards Lawrence. [[Massachusetts Route 107|Route 107]] also passes through town, entering from Lynn in the southwest corner of the city before heading towards its intersection with Route 114 and terminating at Route 1A. There is no highway access within the city; the nearest highway access to [[Massachusetts Route 128|Route 128]] is along Route 114 in neighboring Peabody.

====Rail====
Salem has a [[Salem (MBTA station)|station]] on the [[Newburyport/Rockport Line]] of the [[MBTA Commuter Rail]]. The railroad lines are also connected to a semi-abandoned portion of freight lines which lead into Peabody, and a former line into Marblehead has been converted into a bike path. There are talks of potentially establishing a [[South Salem station]], which would be located on Ocean Avenue West and provide more efficient transportation to South Salem and students at [[Salem State University]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=McHugh |first1=Michael |title=Markey, Moulton tour site of future commuter rail station |url=https://www.salemnews.com/news/markey-moulton-tour-site-of-future-commuter-rail-station/article_613b40d2-55dc-11ef-bafa-b35714efbe3b.html |website=Salem News |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref>

====Bus====
Several [[List of MBTA bus routes#411-465|MBTA Bus]] routes pass through the city. Route 435 starts at Salem station and continues along North Street through North Salem to [[Danvers, Massachusetts|Danvers]]. Route 450 starts at Salem station and continues through [[Federal Street District|Federal Street]] and along Highland Avenue in Southwest Salem, continuing to [[Lynn, Massachusetts|Lynn]].<ref>{{cite web |title=450 |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/450/line |website=MBTA |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> Route 451 starts at Salem station and goes through Downtown Salem before continuing along Bridge Street to [[Beverly, Massachusetts|Beverly]].<ref>{{cite web |title=451 |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/451/line |publisher=MBTA |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> Route 455 starts at Salem station and runs along Lafayette street and Loring avenue through South Salem and by the campus of Salem State University, continuing into [[Swampscott, Massachusetts|Swampscott]].<ref>{{cite web |title=455 |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/455/line |publisher=MBTA |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> Route 456 follows the same route as Route 450 inside the city of Salem, diverting to [[Lynn station]] after entering Lynn.<ref>{{cite web |title=456 |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/456/line |publisher=MBTA |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref>

Students of Salem State University are additionally able to request a student-driven shuttle bus that takes them between the various campuses of the university as well as Downtown Salem.<ref>{{cite web |title=Take the Shuttle |url=https://ask.salemstate.edu/kb/take-shuttle |publisher=Salem State University |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref>

==== Salem Skipper ====
The City of Salem launched a microtransit network called the Salem Skipper in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/alt-mobility/press-release/21202027/via-transportation-salem-mass-readies-for-salem-skipper-start-on-dec-16|access-date=2022-01-13|website=www.masstransitmag.com|date=December 11, 2020 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2020-12-09|title=City of Salem launches the Salem Skipper: on-demand transit for residents, commuters|url=https://ridewithvia.com/news/city-of-salem-launches-the-salem-skipper-on-demand-transit-for-residents-commuters/|access-date=2022-01-13|website=Via Transportation|language=en-US}}</ref> The on-demand transit network is operated by [[Via Transportation|Via]] and allows riders to share the same vehicle for approximately the same price as a [[MBTA bus|MBTA Bus]] ticket. Passengers can hail a ride on their [[mobile device]] with the Salem Skipper app, or by calling a dispatcher.<ref name=":1" />

====Airports====
The nearest [[general aviation]] airport is [[Beverly Municipal Airport]], and the nearest commercial airline service for national and international flights is at Boston's [[Logan International Airport]].

====The Salem Ferry====

The ''Nathaniel Bowditch'' is a {{convert|92|ft|adj=on}} high-speed [[catamaran]] that travels from Salem to Boston in 50 minutes from May to October and had its maiden voyage on June 22, 2006. The Salem Ferry is named after [[Nathaniel Bowditch]], who was from Salem and wrote the ''[[American Practical Navigator]]''.<ref name="The Salem Harbor Plan">{{cite web |url=http://www.salempartnership.org/wharf.htm |title=The Salem Harbor Plan |publisher=The Salem Partnership |date=2006-06-22 |access-date=2012-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303142727/http://www.salempartnership.org/wharf.htm |archive-date=2012-03-03  }}</ref> Ridership increased every year from 2006 to 2010, when it peaked with 89,000, but in 2011 service was cut back because of the dramatic rise in fuel prices.<ref name="Salemnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1095948107/Salem-ferry-cuts-back-to-three-days-a-week |title=Salem ferry cuts back to three days a week » Local News » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref><ref name="Salem may dump ferry operator">{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1940327042/Salem-may-dump-ferry-operator |title=Salem may dump ferry operator|publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref> The Salem Ferry is docked at the [[Derby Waterfront District]].<ref name="bostonharborcruises.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/salem-ferry/salem-ferry/|title=Salem Ferry|website=Boston Harbor Cruises|access-date=2016-11-01|archive-date=2018-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208194908/http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/salem-ferry/salem-ferry/}}</ref>

The ferry was purchased by the City of Salem with the use of grant money that covered 90 percent of the $2.1 million purchase price.<ref name="http">{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1437249329/Salem-ferry-operator-Its-not-working-out |title=Salem ferry operator: 'It's not working out' » Local News » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref> Because of the cutback in service during the 2011 season, Mayor [[Kim Driscoll]] is now seeking a new operator who can run the ferry seven days a week from May to October.<ref name="The Salem Ferry">{{cite web|url=http://www.salemferry.com/ |title=The Salem Ferry |publisher=The Salem Ferry |access-date=2012-11-10}}</ref>

For the 2012 season Boston Harbor Cruises took over the running of the Salem Ferry with seven-day service and a Monday to Friday 7 a.m. commuter ferry to Boston.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1585742337/Commuter-trip-is-in-ferry-bid |title=Commuter trip is in ferry bid » Local News » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref> The Salem Ferry will be running seven days a week for the 2012 season starting the first weekend in June and going through to Halloween.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x234167886/Salem-ferry-delayed |title=Salem ferry delayed » Local News » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref>

Boston Harbor Cruises, the contractor that operates the city's commuter ferry to Boston, runs their largest and fastest vessel between Salem and [[Hingham, Massachusetts|Hingham]] for the last two weekends in October. The company's high-speed ferry service to [[Provincetown, Massachusetts|Provincetown]] concludes in October, freeing up its 600-passenger boat for service between Salem and Hingham. The ferry ride between Hingham and Salem takes one hour. With traffic, especially around Halloween, the drive between Salem and Hingham could be three hours or more.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x321547697/Ferry-to-run-between-Salem-and-South-Shore-for-Halloween/print |title=Ferry to run between Salem and South Shore for Halloween |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-27 |access-date=2012-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/boats/|title=Ferry – Schedules & Maps|first=Massachusetts Bay Transportation|last=Authority|website=www.mbta.com}}</ref>

For the 2013 season, service was expected to start in the last week of May. The Salem City councilors approved a five-year contract with Boston Harbor Cruises to operate the city's commuter ferry from 2013 to 2017.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1503760810/Salem-ferry-to-get-five-year-contract|title=Salem ferry to get five-year contract|first=Bethany|last=Bray|newspaper=Salem News|date=4 March 2013 }}</ref> Also new for the 2013 season, Boston Harbor Cruises will offer a 20 percent discount to Salem residents for non-commuter tickets. The City of Salem has approved a seasonal restaurant with a liquor license at The Salem Ferry dock to be operated by Boston Harbor Cruises. The plan is to build a {{convert|600|sqft|adj=on}} building plus patio seating.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1169349316/Ferry-operator-looks-to-open-wharf-side-eatery|title=Ferry operator looks to open wharf-side eatery|first=Bethany|last=Bray|newspaper=Salem News|date=8 May 2013 }}</ref>

The latest data from 2015 point to 61,000 riders, with around 11,000 being commuters,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.salemnews.com/gallery/photos-a-ride-on-the-salem-ferry/collection_bb796bf8-5d0d-11e6-9fe2-6f2d892ef9c3.html|title=PHOTOS: A ride on the Salem Ferry|website=Salem News|date=7 August 2016 }}</ref> according to Boston Harbor Cruises, which runs the Salem Ferry.<ref name="bostonharborcruises.com"/>

====Electric car charge program====

Salem has eight stations where drivers can charge their electric cars. Four are located at the Museum Place Mall near the Peabody Essex Museum and the other four are in the South Harbor garage across the street from the Salem Waterfront Hotel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://salem.patch.com/articles/salem-installs-vehicle-charging-stations|title=Salem Installs Vehicle Charging Stations|work=Salem, Massachusetts Patch|date=18 December 2012}}</ref> The program started in January 2013 and will be free of charge for two years, allowing people to charge their [[electric cars]] and other [[electric vehicle]]s for up to six hours. This program was paid for by a [[Grant money|grant]] from the state of [[Massachusetts]] due to Salem's status as a Massachusetts Green Community.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/green-communities/|title=Green Communities|work=Energy and Environmental Affairs}}</ref>

===Healthcare===

====Salem Hospital====
{{Update|section|date=September 2024}}
[[Salem Hospital (Massachusetts)|Salem Hospital]], formerly North Shore Medical Center, is located in Salem and is the second largest community hospital system in Massachusetts.{{Update inline|date=September 2024}} It offers comprehensive medical and surgical services and includes emergency/trauma departments, advanced cardiac surgery, and a birthplace. It includes Salem Hospital's main campus as well as outpatient care and urgent care. Salem Hospital's medical staff includes nearly 600 affiliated physicians representing primary care, family practice and 50 additional sub-specialties.{{Update inline|date=September 2024}}

The hospital is a general medical and surgical hospital, which has 395 beds. The hospital had 19,467 admissions in the latest year for which data are available. It performed 4,409 annual inpatient and 7,955 outpatient surgeries. Its emergency department had 90,149 visits in 2012. The [[helipad]] at Salem Hospital is a [[helicopter]] transportation hub, with multiple daily flights to hospitals all over [[Boston]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_ConCommMin/2010Minutes/S02A9C6E1|title=City of Salem, MA – Approved Minutes, May 13, 2010|author=City of Salem, MA|work=salem.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626081430/http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_ConCommMin/2010Minutes/S02A9C6E1|archive-date=June 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_ConCommMin/2009Minutes/S0241A3AE|title=City of Salem, MA – Approved Minutes, February 12, 2009|author=City of Salem, MA|work=salem.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626063318/http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_ConCommMin/2009Minutes/S0241A3AE|archive-date=June 26, 2014}}</ref>{{Update inline|date=September 2024}}

Captain [[John Bertram (Massachusetts businessman)|John Bertram]] (1796–1882) lived in Salem and is the founder of Salem Hospital. In 1873, Captain John Bertram gave a gift of $25,000 in cash, plus a brick mansion on Charter Street to create Salem Hospital. From the original building on Charter Street, Salem Hospital moved to the current location on Highland Avenue in 1917. After John Bertram died in March 1882, his widow donated [[Chestnut Street District#John Bertram Mansion|their home]], a mansion built in the [[Italianate architecture|High Style Italianate]] with brick and [[brownstone]] for materials at 370 Essex Street,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.noblenet.org/salem/home/history/| title=History – Salem Public Library| work=Salem Public Library| access-date=2018-12-24| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403181111/http://www.noblenet.org/salem/home/history/| archive-date=2018-04-03}}</ref> and this became the Salem Public Library.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://jbh.bertramhouse.org/about-us/history| title=Who was John Bertram| author=Brian Duke| work=bertramhouse.org| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708040930/http://jbh.bertramhouse.org/about-us/history| archive-date=2014-07-08}}</ref> In addition, the [[Salem Common Historic District (Salem, Massachusetts)#John Bertram House|John Bertram House]] is now a home for the elderly.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Tolles |first1=Bryant Franklin Jr. |last2=Tolles |first2=Carolyn K. |title=Architecture in Salem: An Illustrated Guide |date=2004 |orig-date=1983 |location=Lebanon, New Hampshire |publisher=University Press of New England |isbn=978-1-58465-385-1 |page=16}}</ref>

===Waterfront redevelopment===

The first step in the redevelopment was in 2006, when the State of Massachusetts gave Salem $1,000,000.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web |url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1150826975/Salem-gets-1M-for-waterfront/print |title=Salem gets $1M for waterfront » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2006-12-18 |access-date=2012-09-03  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202015507/http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1150826975/Salem-gets-1M-for-waterfront/print |archive-date=2013-02-02 }}</ref> The lion's share of the money—$750,000—was earmarked for acquisition of the Blaney Street landing, the private, {{convert|2|acre|sqm|adj=on}} site off Derby Street used by the ferry, and [[Salem Harbor]]. Another $200,000 was approved for the design of the new Salem wharf, a large pier planned for the landing, which officials said could be used by small cruise ships, commercial vessels and fishing boats. In June 2012, the $1.75 million was awarded by the state of Massachusetts and will launch a first phase of dredging and construction of a {{convert|100|ft|adj=on}} extension of the pier; a harborwalk to improve pedestrian access; and other lighting, landscaping and paving improvements. [[Dredging]] will allow the city to attract other ferries, excursion vessels and cruise ships of up to {{convert|250|ft}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x399013301/State-awards-1-75M-to-Blaney-Street-wharf-project |title=State awards $1.75M to Blaney Street wharf project » Local News » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref>

In October 2010, Mayor Driscoll announced that the city would formally acquire the Blaney Street parcel from Dominion Energy,<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dominion-to-sell-blaney-street-property-to-city-of-salem-95773339.html |title=Dominion to Sell Blaney Street Property to City of Salem |location=Massachusetts |publisher=Prnewswire.com |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref> paving the way for the Salem Wharf project. The City of Salem secured $1.25 million from the Massachusetts Seaport Advisory Council and $2.5 million in federal grant dollars to move forward with the construction of the project. The city acquired the parcel with the help of a $1.7 million grant received from the Seaport Advisory Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x962027262/Salem-is-focusing-its-sights-on-shore/ |title=Salem is focusing its sights on shore » Local News » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref>

The City of Salem's plans call for a total build-out of the current Blaney Street pier, known as the Salem Wharf project. When finished, the Blaney Street pier will be home to small to medium-sized cruise ships, commercial vessels and the Salem Ferry. This project is fully engineered and permitted.<ref>{{cite web |author=City of Salem, MA |url=http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_PressReleases/I02CF1FBC |title=City of Salem, MA – City to purchase Blaney Street parcel today |publisher=Salem.com |access-date=2012-09-03  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517040714/http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_PressReleases/I02CF1FBC |archive-date=2012-05-17 }}</ref>

In 2010, in early phase work to be finished for the 2011 season, a contractor was running underground utility cables and erecting an interim terminal building that will be used by the Salem Ferry, replacing the current trailer. The building will have an indoor bathroom—a first at the ferry landing—along with a waiting room and possibly an outdoor area with awnings. Also new for 2011 is a paved lot with about 140 parking spaces replacing the existing dirt parking lot.

Also in 2011, construction crews were building a long seawall at the Blaney Street landing, which runs from the edge of the ferry dock back toward Derby Street and along an inner harbor. This is one of the early and key pieces of the Salem Pier, which the city hopes to have completed by 2014 and is the key to eventually bring cruise ships to Salem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x300778348/Salem-pier-work-under-way |title=Salem pier work under way » Local News » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/05/11/salem-harbor-power-station-to-close-in-2014/ |title=Salem Harbor Power Station To Close In 2014 « CBS Boston |publisher=Boston.cbslocal.com |date=2011-05-11 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref>

At the end of the 2011 season of the Salem Ferry, in the late fall of 2011, after the ferry season ended, contractors were to start building the first section of the T-shaped, {{convert|350|ft|adj=on}} pier. Work on that phase was scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2012. As of April 2011, the City of Salem had secured half of the $20 million and still needed to secure about $10 million in state and federal funds to complete this waterfront pier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1324603491/Grant-of-2-5M-to-aid-wharf-makeover |title=Grant of $2.5M to aid wharf makeover » Local News » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref>

===Salem Harbor Power Station===
[[File:Salem Harbor Station Demolition.jpg|thumb|right|The original coal plant (at left) being demolished in 2016, as the single smokestack of the new plant rises]]

In May 2011, after years of legal battles, protests, and one recent fatal accident, the owner of the [[Salem Harbor Power Station]] announced it will close down the facility permanently.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.necn.com/05/12/11/Salem-Mass-power-plant-to-close/landing_business.html?blockID=521746&feedID=4209 |title=Salem, Mass. power plant to close |publisher=Necn.com |date=2011-05-12 |access-date=2012-09-03  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627051909/http://www.necn.com/05/12/11/Salem-Mass-power-plant-to-close/landing_business.html?blockID=521746&feedID=4209 |archive-date=2014-06-27 }}</ref> Salem Harbor Station was a 60-year-old power plant that was owned by Dominion of Virginia. With the approval of ISO New England, the 60-year-old coal and oil-fired plant closed for good in June 2014.

The City of Salem was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Clean Energy Center prior to the closure of the plant. This grant money is being used to plan for the eventual re-use of the property.<ref>{{cite web|last=Guerriero |first=Lisa |url=http://www.wickedlocal.com/salem/features/x1539858512/Countdown-to-closure-Part-of-Salem-power-plant-may-still-be-needed-after-2014#axzz1V3hia1Hh |title=Dominion: Entire Salem power plant will close June 1, 2014 – Salem, Massachusetts – Salem Gazette |publisher=Wickedlocal.com |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref> The City of Salem reached out to state and federal officials to ask for their cooperation and assistance in planning for the future and to provide money, in an effort to clean up the 62-acre site.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sierraclubmass.org/issues/coal/coal2.html |title=Massachusetts Chapter Sierra Club |publisher=Sierraclubmass.org |access-date=2012-09-03  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004800/http://www.sierraclubmass.org/issues/coal/coal2.html |archive-date=2013-12-03 }}</ref>

Footprint Power,<ref>{{cite web|title=Salem Harbor Footprint|url=http://www.footprintsalemharbor.com/|website=Footprint Power|access-date=2 June 2016}}</ref> a startup New Jersey–based energy company, announced on June 29, 2012, that it had signed an agreement to acquire Salem Harbor Station from Dominion Energy of Virginia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/salem/articles/2012/06/30/footprint_power_of_new_jersey_to_buy_salem_harbor_power_station/ |title=Footprint Power of New Jersey to buy Salem Harbor Power Station |publisher=Boston.com |date=2012-06-30 |access-date=2012-09-03 |first=Erin |last=Ailworth}}</ref> Footprint Power planned to demolish the 63-acre waterfront site that has towering smokestacks, a coal pile, and oil tanks. A city study estimated cleanup costs at more than $50 million. The final plan was to develop a new state-of-the-art natural gas plant on one-third of the original site, reportedly along the Fort Avenue side near the city's ferry landing. The remainder of the waterfront property eventually will be used for commercial and industrial redevelopment, the company said. "The transition will not only stabilize our property tax base, but also provide cleaner, more efficient and reliable energy." Footprint said its plans are consistent with the recommendations of a city study completed earlier that year on the future use of the power plant site.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/48018872/Footprint_Power_buys_60_year_old_Mass_power_plant |title=Footprint Power buys 60 year old Mass Power Plant |website=[[CNBC]] }}{{dead link|date=November 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The City of Salem required Footprint to demolish the existing plant and stacks. "We will restore some 30 to 40 acres of our waterfront to its vibrant and prosperous past." Mayor Kim Driscoll said she had not "detailed" talks yet with Footprint, but is encouraged by discussions so far.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1058724309/Company-inks-deal-for-plant |title=Company inks deal for plant |publisher=Salemnews.com |date=2012-08-30 |access-date=2012-09-03}}</ref> Beginning in December 2013, there were many appeals under way from various groups who did not want the plant rebuilt. The main opponent that fought in court was the Conservation Law Foundation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clf.org/blog/tag/salem-power-plant/|title=Salem power plant Archives |work=Conservation Law Foundation}}</ref> a leading environmental advocacy group intent on blocking the plant from being built.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.salemnews.com/local/x517513118/Plant-hit-with-another-appeal|title=Plant hit with another appeal|first=Tom|last=Dalton|newspaper=Salem News}}</ref>