Environmental
On July 7, 2023, the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs issued a certificate on the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for the Cape Cod Bridges Program directing submission of a mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR) pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA).
On August 11, 2023, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), serving as lead federal agency for the Cape Cod Bridges Program, issued a determination that the Program will require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
This environmental documentation is currently expected to be published in 2025.
As part of the NEPA EIS process, the following agencies have agreed to serve as Cooperating Agencies:
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP/Southeast Regional Office)
- Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game
- Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) / Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA)
- Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
- National Marine Fisheries Service/Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (NOAA/NMFS/GARFO)
- US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- US Coast Guard (USCG)
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Grants and Funding
One of the largest considerations for the program is sourcing the necessary funding. We’re working to identify potential modes of funding as federal policies change and new opportunities become available.
On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This authorized $1.2 Trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending. Much of the IIJA funding is available through competitive grant programs.
On August 21, 2023, the Program team applied for competitive discretionary grant funding through the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG), which includes the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) program and the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) program. The 2023 MPDG funding request was specific to the replacement of the Sagamore Bridge. Funding for the replacement of the Bourne Bridge will be sought during subsequent rounds of discretionary funding. This phased approach to funding proposes the Sagamore Bridge be replaced first due to the immediate traffic and operational benefits resulting from its’ replacement. MassDOT and U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) remain committed to securing funding for the replacement of both the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges.
MassDOT is the lead applicant, applying jointly with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as the owner of the bridge. The total amount of MPDG funds requested is $372 Million. The application identifies an additional $1.072 Billion in discretionary funding that will be requested through the USDOT’s Bridge Investment Program (BIP) in the fall of 2023.
MassDOT and USACE will also continue to monitor developments at the federal level for future grant opportunities.
Public Outreach
Our public outreach process is continuing throughout this Program and we are actively monitoring feedback from the public to incorporate into project plans. To get in touch with the program team, submit a comment or query here.