The state Seaport Economic Council has awarded the town $80,000 to begin a study that officials will then use to update regulations and identify investment opportunities.

The Local Maritime Economic Development Planning grant will support an 18-month study of Padanaram Harbor and all its uses to develop a harbor management plan.

The town plans to hire the Urban Harbors Institute from the University of Massachusetts Boston — which uses policy, scientific planning, and management expertise to address issues associated with coastal areas, according to its website — to write the plan, said Town Planner John Hansen.

"[The project] will include identifying the study area, defining goals, and coming up with implementation measures to help aid in regulating the harbor uses, all with public input sought throughout the process," said Hansen via email.

Hansen said the measurable outcomes of the plan will include improvement of existing water use regulations, establishment of harbor management policies, identification of opportunities for investment in waterfront, and addressing of projected environmental alterations.

The Select Board will appoint members to serve on a committee that will help steer the plan. These members will be from various town and state agencies, as well as business owners and members of the public from around the harbor, Hansen said.