Landmark Watershed Project for Cape
Watershed Project Hailed as Landmark Environmental Achievement for Cape Cod
Left to right: U.S. Senator Paul Kirk, APCC Executive Director Maggie Geist, U.S. Congressman William Delahunt, State Senate President Therese Murray, and Cape Cod Conservation District Chair Lee Davis
On January 11, 2010, APCC was honored to host federal, state, regional and local dignitaries and a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters gathered for the formal announcement of the Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project's authorization by Congress.
On hand to make the announcement were U.S. Representative William Delahunt and U.S. Senator Paul Kirk. Joining them at the podium were State Senate President Therese Murray, Natural Resources Conservation Service's State Conservationist Christine Clarke, Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin, Cape Cod Conservation District Chair Lee Davis, and APCC Executive Director Maggie Geist.
The audience, which packed the lobby of APCC's headquarters, included members of the Cape's state legislative delegation, the Barnstable County Commissioners, individuals from state environmental agencies, and representatives from the many project partners who participated in the project's creation. Also present were members of the broad-based coalition of organizations that advocated successfully for the project's federal authorization. APCC established and led the coalition.
The $30 million, 10-year project, which was initiated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, is the largest restoration project ever proposed for Cape Cod. It will restore 7,300 acres of shellfish habitat, 4,200 acres of migratory fish run habitat, and 1,500 acres of salt marshes across the Cape.
The project is budgeted for approximately $24 million in federal funds and $6 million in non-federal matching funds. At the event, Senator Kirk announced that the first $5 million installment of federal funds has been released and is now available for immediate use. A list of the priority projects that will benefit from the initial $5 million is being finalized.