From the Executive Director

As we begin the new year, the Commission is looking forward to engaging in impactful planning initiatives that support all 15 Cape Cod communities.

In the coming months, we will finalize the Regional Housing Strategy and shift our focus to the short-term action plan, working with partners to lay the groundwork for long-term success. 

We will update the Cape Cod Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, which will set forth an action plan to support economic opportunity across the region. We will continue critical freshwater data collection and analysis efforts and work with stakeholders to develop a strategy for addressing pond health. We will continue efforts to ensure our towns receive the needed subsidy for important wastewater projects through the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund. These initiatives, among many others, aim to support and sustain a vibrant Cape Cod now and into the future.  

Wishing you all the best for the coming year. We look forward to what is expected to be a busy and productive 2024. 

-Kristy Senatori

Cape Cod Commission releases draft Regional Housing Strategy

The Cape Cod Commission has released the draft Regional Housing Strategy, a bold plan that sets out strategies and recommendations to address housing supply, affordability, and availability issues facing the region.

Comments on the draft strategy are being accepted now through January 19, 2024.

Studying the economic impacts of long-term bridge closures 

Built in 1935, the Bourne and Sagamore bridges span the Cape Cod Canal and connect residents, businesses, and visitors on the Cape and Islands to the mainland. The bridges are essential for general transportation, freight, and tourism, and in an emergency are critical routes for evacuation.  

The Cape Cod Commission has contracted with consultant ERG to conduct an economic analysis to better understand the impact a long-term shutdown would have on the region’s economy. 

Commission presents conceptual roadway improvements for Station Ave  

Yarmouth residents interested in the future of Station Avenue gathered at Yarmouth Town Hall on December 13 to learn more about the Station Avenue Corridor Study and share their thoughts on potential improvements.  

Last January, Commission staff began working with the Town of Yarmouth to analyze key areas of concern along the busy roadway. The Station Avenue Corridor Study aims to develop alternatives that will improve safety, provide accommodations for all roadway users, and reduce congestion. 

2024 Climate Ambassador Program to begin this month  

The fourth cohort of the Cape Cod Commission’s Climate Ambassador Program will begin on January 31, 2024. Sixteen students representing six Cape Cod school districts have been selected to participate in this year's program. The Climate Ambassador Program is an initiative to educate, engage, and empower young people on Cape Cod to work together to combat climate change.

Examining crashes at Cape Cod’s highway interchanges 

Under the Unified Planning Work Program, Commission staff have begun a yearlong process to analyze five years of crash data from more than 13 interchanges. Staff is studying crash history to determine each crash's exact location, examining the type and severity of crashes, and reviewing existing conditions such as traffic controls and pedestrian accommodations.

Apartment Wi-Fi program offers no-cost internet infrastructure to housing entities 

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is accepting expressions of interest from public and non-profit affordable housing providers to participate in the Apartment Wi-Fi program. The program provides funding, project management, and procurement support to fund the construction of Wi-Fi networks that provide residents with service equal or superior to what is available from commercial internet service providers at no cost to residents. Funding covers all capital costs associated with network design, construction, equipment, and the first year of ongoing operating expenses. 

Upcoming Grant Opportunity: Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance

The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration is now accepting Project Inquiry calls for its Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program. Calls will be accepted until January 18, 2024.

The Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program is for municipalities and local government units interested in replacing an undersized, perched, and/or degraded culvert located in an area of high ecological value.

This funding is intended to encourage applicants to replace aging culverts with better designed crossings that meet improved structural and environmental design standards and flood resiliency criteria.  

Only projects that intend to meet the goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards are considered for funding. Use of these Standards to design replacement structures or structure removals improves river function and access for fish and wildlife and reduces hazards to public safety such as flooding, culvert failure, and road washout.

Set up a call with DER staff to discuss project ideas or questions here. (This step is optional, but recommended.) 

Register for DER’s Grant Briefing Presentation Tuesday, January 16 at 1pm here.

The FY25 Request for Response (RFR) is anticipated to launch in early February. Applications are anticipated to be due early March. 

For more information and resources on the upcoming grant opportunity, see DER’s culvert replacement webpage. 

www.capecodcommission.org