Newsroom

Cape Cod communities are making strides to reduce nitrogen flow into our coastal waters, and now local leaders are reviewing a pair of proposals designed to encourage watershed-based comprehensive planning and implementation.

Under the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Cape Cod Commission will work with the Town of Yarmouth and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to conduct a corridor planning study to examine the existing conditions of Station Avenue from the Route 6 interchange to Regional Avenue. The study will include the preparation of a suite of alternatives to improve safety, reduce congestion, and accommodate all users.

The Cape Cod Commission's Early Education and Childcare Needs Assessment offers recommendations designed to help strengthen the region's early education and care infrastructure. It also outlines high-impact investment areas that can support quality, consistent education and care for all families.  During the November Barnstable County Economic Development Council meeting, Senator Susan Moran outlined legislative actions and funding priorities designed to address the state’s early education and childcare needs. Senator Moran was joined by Cindy Horgan, a longtime early education and childcare advocate, currently serving as Executive Director of Cape Cod Children’s Place.

Strategic planning and regional coordination will encourage the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and increase awareness of EV options in support of the region's GHG reduction goals. The Cape Cod Commission has developed a model municipal EV bylaw to serve as a resource for Cape Cod communities seeking to incorporate consideration of EV charging infrastructure in the local bylaws.

The newly formed Cape Cod Ponds Network, convened for the first time in 2022 in response to growing concern over the health of Cape Cod’s ponds, is a way for those who care about ponds to learn from one another and exchange ideas on topics of regional interest.    

In September, Cape Cod Commission Water Resources Analyst Tim Pasakarnis was named the SNEP Monitoring Subcommittee's first-ever Chair.

MassDEP is proposing two regulatory initiatives: revisions to Title 5 regulations to establish natural resource “Nitrogen Sensitive Areas” (NSAs) for watersheds adversely impacted by nitrogen, and new Watershed Permit regulations.

In recognition of the regional importance of safe and reliable canal crossings, the Cape Cod Commission, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, and the Association to Preserve Cape Cod have partnered to establish the Canal Bridges Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force is to share information, assist with outreach efforts, collect and coordinate input, and advocate for the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges in a manner that is the best long-term interest of the region and its people. 

The Cape Cod Commission is pleased to invite Cape and Islands students in grades 9-12 to apply for the Climate Ambassador Program. The Program is an initiative to educate, engage and empower young people on Cape Cod to work together to combat the impacts of climate change.