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Commissioners press for state funding and county involvement as dredging permits lag
Summary
Barnstable County commissioners and town officials described federal staffing shortfalls, scientific permitting windows and legislative amendments aimed at creating a state funding stream for dredging; county staff said options include adding capacity to help towns navigate permitting.
County and town leaders used the joint meeting to discuss ongoing dredging challenges that limit harbors and navigation channels across Cape Cod.
Commissioners said federal permitting backlogs and staff reductions make it harder for towns to secure timely permits for dredging operations, slowing projects even when local funds are available. The chair said federal agency cuts have reduced the personnel available to process permitting and that scientific studies — for species such as winter flounder or horseshoe crab — can determine seasonal windows for safe dredging.
The board described legislative efforts to designate dredging funding in the Mass Ready Act (the environmental bond bill) and possible economic development bills. The chair said Representative Luddy had secured a House amendment to include dredging in the Mass Ready Act and that the county hopes the Senate will adopt parallel language as the budget process continues.
Commissioners discussed whether the county should play a stronger role — potentially hiring staff to help towns with permitting and serving as a regional permitting advocate — and noted the county’s dredge advisory committee and previous studies that recommended several options, including consolidating permitting services in some form.
The board and municipal officials agreed to continue refining options; commissioners said they may present proposals to the assembly for consideration and would work with the Cape delegation on funding and language in pending bills.
