The U.S. Coast Guard formally opened its new boathouse in Menemsha Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a visitation from Cong. Bill Keating, among others.

A July 2010 fire destroyed the previous boathouse, built in 1938, along with a wooden pier leading to the dock. Congress later approved $10 million for the new boathouse, which includes a boat ramp, locker rooms and indoor spaces for crew members to work on the station’s 25-foot response boat. The station also maintains two 47-foot motor lifeboats.

Built to serve Station Menemsha well into the future, the new three-story building is fire resistant with a concrete floor and walls, and can withstand earthquakes and 100-year floods. With its traditional red roof and white walls, it resembles the earlier boathouse.

Also attending the ceremony Thursday were Coast Guard first district Commander Rear Adm. Linda Fagan, Coast Guard assistant commandant for engineering and logistics Rear Adm. Michael Haycock, and Coast Guard sector southeastern New England Commander Capt. John Kondratowicz.

Senior Chief Robert Riemer is officer in charge at Station Menemsha.