Wellfleet Dredging News

For Immediate Release

Contact: Dan Hoort

Email: Dan.Hoort@wellfleet-ma.gov

 

 $5 Million in Federal Funding for Wellfleet Dredging

 

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 fiscal year 2020 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 Senator Warren:

 “I am pleased that the Army Corps of Engineers requested $5 million in federal funding for the Wellfleet Harbor dredging project – an undertaking that would expand economic activity on the Cape and throughout coastal Massachusetts,” said Senator Warren. “I will work with my colleagues to help secure funding for this important project for Wellfleet.”

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.”

Note from Wellfleet's Legislative Consultant Ray Bucheger:

In my rush to share the good news earlier this week, I failed to adequately commend the Congressional delegation for their strong support of Wellfleet:

  • Congressman Keating has been working on this issue for a number of years. In fact, Congressman Keating has directly discussed the funding for Wellfleet with Army Corps leadership many times, including multiple conversations with New England Region leadership in the district and national leadership in D.C.
  • Senator Markey effectively leveraged this position on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, with jurisdiction over the Corps, to make clear to USACE the importance of the Wellfleet project.
  • Senators Markey and Warren, and Rep Keating have sent multiple letters to the Corps supporting Wellfleet’s funding request in recent years.