Senators Warren, Markey, Rep. Keating Commend Army Corps of Engineers Decision to Replace Cape Cod Canal Bridges
Massachusetts lawmakers applaud bridge replacement plan, will fight for federal funding
Boston, MA – Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, and Congressman William R. Keating (MA-09), today commended the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for its final “Major Rehabilitation Evaluation Report” on the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges in Cape Cod. This final report was released today and formally adopts the USACE New England District’s recommendation to replace both structures with two new bridges that conform to modern highway design standards. The project will now move to its next phase, in which the USACE will determine final bridge type and other detailed design parameters.
Senators Warren and Markey, and Rep. Keating praised the USACE’s decision, having repeatedly urged the Army Corps to replace both Cape Cod Canal Bridges, which connect the nearly 250,000 residents of the Cape and Islands to the rest of Massachusetts, but are over eighty years old and structurally deficient.
“The Cape Cod Canal bridges are critical arteries for the Cape’s economy, and I’m glad the Army Corps have affirmed what everyone in Massachusetts already knew – which is these 80-year-old bridges need to be replaced,” said Senator Warren. “I will keep working with my delegation colleagues until we get the federal funding needed to build these new bridges.”
“The Bourne and Sagamore Bridges are vital parts of the Cape’s economy and way of life, and also serve as crucial evacuation routes should an emergency arise,” said Senator Markey. “I have long believed that replacing both structures is the only viable long-term solution for the region. The Army Corps has listened to our call in its final report, and we can now focus our efforts on the next phase of the project. I will continue to work with Senator Warren and Congressmen Keating to secure the federal funding we need to complete this essential work.”
“The replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges is the most urgent infrastructure need in the Commonwealth,” said Congressman Keating. “This final assessment for replacement as opposed to maintenance of the bridges triggers $10 million in state funds from Secretary Pollack and the Baker Administration to do preliminary work on the project and sets the stage for the only adequate solution for the Cape and Islands. As we look towards an infrastructure package in the House in the coming weeks, I assure you this will be my top priority. I stand united with Senators Markey and Warren on getting this project over the goal line.”
As part of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, Senators Warren and Markey secured language directing the Army Corps of Engineers to repair or replace critical evacuation routes, such as the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges. In May 2019, Senators Warren and Markey, and Rep. Keating, introduced the ESCAPE Act, legislation that dedicates $1 billion of federal resources to expand the capacity and improve the resilience of evacuation routes such as the Sagamore and Bourne bridges.
###
Next Article Previous Article
