$5 Million in Federal Funding For Wellfleet Dredging

From the Wellfleet Town Administrator, Dan Hoort…

The Town of Wellfleet received word that $5 million in federal funding through the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) was included in the President’s fiscal year 2020 budget. The Corps is expected to develop the work plan after the FY20 appropriations process is complete, no earlier than October of 2019.

Select board Chair Janet Reinhart and Town Administrator Dan Hoort acknowledged the efforts of so many that contributed to this news. “We were delighted to receive news of the commitment to the Town of Wellfleet and the Outer Cape. We gratefully acknowledge the efforts of our Washington, DC legislative delegation led by Senator Markey, Senator Warren and Congressman Keating along with their staff. In Massachusetts we are appreciated of Senator Cyr and Representative Peake for their support. And we must acknowledge the citizens of Wellfleet and all of those on Cape Cod who made phone calls, sent e-mails and wrote letters in support of the project. Last, but not least, the many volunteers and staff who have been working on this project for years”

Quote from Senator Markey:

“Wellfleet Harbor is the economic engine for the Town of Wellfleet and a regional hub for tourism and commerce,” said Senator Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee that has oversight of the Army Corps of Engineers. “I’m proud to help secure $5 million of federal funding in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Budget to dredge this critical artery of commerce and recreation. I will fight to secure all $5 million through the Congressional appropriations process, for this project will have real benefits for public safety, public access, and the Outer Cape economy for years to come. I thank Senator Warren and Congressman Keating, for our continued partnership to advocate for this project and thank State Senator Cyr, State Representative Peake, and Town Administrator Hoort for their dedicated efforts on this issue.”

Quote from Congressman Keating:

“I am pleased that the much-needed and long overdue funding to dredge the federal navigable channel in Wellfleet Harbor was included in the President’s proposed budget. The harbor dredging project is of critical importance to the Town of Wellfleet, and securing this vital funding has been one of my top priorities over the last five years. I have been working closely with my friend Senator Markey in concert with local, state, and federal officials, such as Senator Warren, Representative Peake, and Senator Cyr, to prioritize this funding. Because of this new budget proposal, it appears we now have real reason for optimism. I thank the Town of Wellfleet and our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers’ New England Region office for their sustained efforts, and I look forward to continuing our hard work to see this project through.”

_{Source: capecodtoday.com}