House Bill Would Bring Funding for Cape Projects

BOSTON – The House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive economic bill containing $666 million in state borrowing to enhance economic opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.

Two local Representatives added language to the Bill that secures funding to be used on Cape Cod.

An additional $119 million in borrowing authorizations are included in the bill to fund a variety of local projects.

State Representative Will Crocker, (R-Centerville) supports the Bill and was able to secure $225,000 worth of funding to go towards a study and business plan for the Applied Climate Coastal Resiliency Center in Barnstable.

“I am very happy that the House approved this funding. It is imperative that we plan and act now to make sure our coastlines are protected from the effects of our changing environment.” said Crocker.

“This is good for the tourism and hospitality industry on the Cape which is one of the largest economic drivers in the region.”

In addition to funding local projects the Economic Development Bill would allow Massachusetts residents to receive a temporary reprieve from the state sales tax for the first time since 2015 under a House proposal designating a two-day sales tax holiday on August 11 and 12 beginning iin 2019.

Also supporting the Bill is Represenatative Time Whelan, (R-Brewster) who filed two Amendments to the measure that secures funding authorization for local projects. 

Whelan’s Amendments #63 and #85 would provide funding authorization for $1 million to the Town of Dennis to support costs associated with the dredging of Sesuit Harbor and $200,000 to the Town of Barnstable to be used for drainage repair and improvements in the Commerce Road and Blish Point section of Barnstable.

“These are very important first steps in bringing important in the 1^st Barnstable District,” Rep. Whelan said. I have been working closely with Town government in Dennis and Barnstable, as well as neighborhood residents in Blish Point on these important issues and I thank them for their advocacy. I look forward to the work ahead on funding these items and am already in contact with Senator Cyr’s office in order to ensure success in the Senate.”

The Bill is now set to move to the Senate for consideration.