Several communities on Cape Cod will receive a portion of $2.2 million for climate change preparation.
The Baker-Polito Administration on Wednesday announced the funding to support local efforts to increase community preparedness and resilience to coastal storm and climate change impacts. The grants are provided by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Office of Coastal Zone Management.
Among the communities receiving the CZM grants are Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, and Wareham.
Dennis - $133,300
- Project: Improving the Coastal Resiliency of Dr. Bottero Road and Chapin Beach - Coastal Structure and Beach Nourishment Design and Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Compliance
- Description: The Town of Dennis will study the effect of waves and the movement of sand along Chapin Beach and develop engineering design plans for a small-scale beach nourishment project with a new groin to mitigate severe erosion at Dr. Bottero Road and maintain access to the beach and Aquacultural Research Corporation.
Eastham - $79,676
- Project: Assessment of Multi-decadal Coastal Change - Eastham to Wellfleet
- Description: The Town of Eastham will study the volume, rate and direction of sand moving along a six-mile stretch of Cape Cod Bay shoreline in the towns of Eastham and Wellfleet. This data will help inform future design, evaluation and implementation of regional shoreline management efforts.
Falmouth - $124,695
- Project: Assessment of Shoreline Stabilization Alternatives for Menauhant Beach
- Description: The Town of Falmouth will evaluate engineering alternatives to increase protection of Menauhant Beach and associated roadway infrastructure located west of the Bournes Pond Inlet to address current flooding and erosion concerns and potential future sea level rise impacts.
Wareham - $101,100
- Project: Coastal Resilience Improvements - Final Design for Three Priority Pump Stations
- Description: The Town of Wareham will obtain required permits and develop final construction plans, specifications and cost estimates for improvements at three of its most vulnerable pump stations to help endure future storm events and minimize public health and environmental risks.
“The Town of Dennis has been wrestling with coastal erosion concerns in the Dr. Bottero Road and Chapin Beach area for years,” said State Representative Timothy Whelan (R-Brewster). “This funding will go a long way toward developing sustainable solutions and preserving our beautiful coastline. I want to thank the Baker-Polito Administration, as well as Secretary Matt Beaton, for their continued strong support of mid-Cape communities and the concerns that are unique to coastal communities throughout the Commonwealth.”
“Cape Cod is blessed with over 500 miles of coastline, making our peninsula a maritime destination for millions of visitors each year,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “I am encouraged by the ongoing commitment to promote coastal resiliency and combat the effects of rising sea levels. Grants to Dennis and Eastham will not only ensure that our coastline is safeguarded against the adverse effects of a changing change, but they will provide a boost to our blue economy: supporting tourism, research, and small business.”
“Most of us don't realize that there are more possible consequences from coastal hazards than just residential and commercial interests. The possible compromise of infrastructure related to public health poses real threats to our communities,” said State Representative Susan Gifford (R-Wareham). “This grant is another step toward minimizing this risk in Wareham and I am grateful for the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to being prepared for what the future may bring.”
The Massachusetts Office Coastal Zone Management is the lead policy and planning agency on coastal and ocean issues within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Through planning, technical and grant assistance and public information programs, CZM seeks to balance the impacts of human activity with the protection of coastal and marine resources. The agency’s work includes helping coastal communities address the challenges of storms, sea level rise and other effects of climate change; working with state, regional and federal partners to balance current and new uses of ocean waters while protecting ocean habitats and promoting sustainable economic development; and partnering with communities and other organizations to protect and restore coastal water quality and habitats.