OneCape 2023: U.S. Senator Ed Markey outlines funding for key regional challenges

"It's clear in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges that Cape Codders don't agonize; they organize. That's who you are. That's what today is all about,” said U.S. Senator Ed Markey.

Senator Markey took the OneCape stage on Monday, July 31 to share his perspective on a slew of "opportunities disguised as challenges" across the region. Markey was optimistic and enthusiastic as he outlined a list of billions of dollars in federal funding available to help address regional challenges like climate change, infrastructure, water quality issues, and the housing crisis.

The Senator pledged to continue to work to ensure the necessary funding is available to support replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges. "We need to replace the Bourne and Sagamore bridges," Markey said. "We will work together as a federal delegation, as partners, to maximize federal dollars for this project. I am not going to stop until we have two new bridges for Cape Cod."

Senator Markey also highlighted the recently launched Massachusetts Community Climate Bank, supported with $27 billion in funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, saying that this initiative will help ease the "twin crises" of climate change and housing. Low-interest loans will be available in Spring 2024 to create energy-efficient housing, fund solar projects, and support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the Commonwealth.

Markey acknowledged that time is of the essence and that communities must act to take advantage of available funding opportunities, noting that regional planning and collaboration is a way to maximize opportunities and ensure federal funding flows to essential projects.

"Thank you all for what you do every day to make us one Cape," said Markey.

Video and presentations from plenary and breakout sessions are available at: onecape.capecodcommission.org