HYANNIS – The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce is working to ensure local rest areas remain open.
Barnstable County has been funding maintenance for the Route 6 eastbound rest area, but county commissioners are planning to cut that funding after this year.
Chamber CEO Wendy Northcross said discussions have begun to make sure the Route 6, Sagamore Bridge and Route 25 rest areas remain open.
“We’ve been talking with the county’s EDC (Economic Development Council) about a plan that we have to put all three buildings together, sit down with MassDOT and have a conversation about how we can keep these open during high season at least,” said Northcross.
The chamber is also investigating ways to bring down the costs of maintaining the Route 6 rest area for the county.
The county committed $30,000 last year to keep the rest area open through the summer season.
“It’s in our best interest to have the welcome mat out and have visitor centers open, especially in high season, and to be able to accommodate our guests comfort needs,” Northcross said.
Northcross said the chamber is looking to find the most cost effective way to keep the rest areas open.
County Commissioners Leo Cakounes and Ron Beaty agree that the rest areas need to remain open, but that different funding options need to be examined.
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