Cape Cod Commission Receives Grant Funding as Part of Blue Economy Project

BARNSTABLE – The Cape Cod Commission is contributing to a Blue Economy project that will strengthen the Marine Science and Technology industry on the Cape and the South Coast.

The Commission is partnering with UMass Dartmouth and the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District on the $1.2 million project that has received $600,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.

Part of the project includes conducting a study and analysis of the marine science and technology sectors to further job creation, business and industrial expansion, as well as the export of goods.

“Really looking at expanding this business cluster is a significant opportunity for our region so that we can ensure a balanced sustainable economy with year-round, livable wage opportunities for those who want to live on Cape Cod and in this region,” said Kristy Senatori, the acting executive director of the Cape Cod Commission.

The Commission will receive $75,000 over three years to provide data and technical support for the project.

The Commission has supported the development of the Blue Economy over the past several years and has worked with significant partners on the initiative.

“We’re pleased to kind of build upon that work in support of the broader region and support of this Blue Economy technology cluster that we have grown on the Cape and that we would like to continue to support and grow on the Cape,” Senatori said.

The Blue Economy utilizes the water, environment and geography to provide economic activities in the region outside of the tourism industry.

“Expanding upon our marine science and technology sectors will further job creation and really help us to have a sustainable, balanced economy for years to come,” Senatori said.

EDA grants are awarded to designated Economic Development Districts through a competitive process based upon applications merit, eligibility and availability of funds.

In 2013, the Commission worked closely with the USEDA to make sure that this region was designated as an Economic Development District so that additional resources could be leveraged for the Cape and Southcoast.

Senatori and Leslie Richardson, the chief economic development officer of the Commission, attended the award ceremony at the UMass Dartmouth campus on September 11. Congressmen William Keating and Joseph Kennedy III were also in attendance for the announcement.