Baker-Polito Administration Awards $1 Million in Federal Funds for Parkers River Restoration
BOSTON – February 6, 2017 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a grant
of $1 million in federal funds to the Town of Yarmouth for a tidal restoration
project in the Parkers River. The project will replace an undersized bridge on Route
28, eliminate a severe tidal restriction, and improve fish passage, salt marsh
growth and the overall health of the Parkers River estuary.
«We are proud to work cooperatively with the Town of Yarmouth and our federal
partners on this impressive local project to improve habitat, infrastructure, and
coastal resiliency,» said Governor Charlie Baker. «This grant takes us one step
closer to improved transportation on Cape Cod and healthier natural resources in the
Parkers River estuary.»
«The Parkers River restoration will improve public safety and the ecology of the
Parkers River, benefiting local residents and natural habitat for fish and
wildlife,» said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. «This important project is part of
our administration’s dedication to helping communities protect their infrastructure
and residents, as well as improving habitat for our native species.»
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service provided a total of
$3.38 million to the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Division of
Ecological Restoration (DER) in 2014 through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act
for the Parkers River restoration. DER is awarding $1 million for this
pre-construction phase of the project.
Other federal partners on the project include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. DER serves as project
management lead and provides technical assistance to the Town of Yarmouth and the
project partners.
«This project will greatly improve tidal flow in the Parkers River estuary,
improving conditions for wildlife, fish passage, and the overall health of the river
and wetlands surrounding it,» said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary
Matthew Beaton. «We appreciate the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s significant
commitment of funds, which will cover all pre-construction costs and put the project
on track for construction.»
«We are thrilled to be involved in this resiliency project at Parkers River,» said
Wendi Weber, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Northeast Regional Director.
«Restoring the estuary will improve the habitat for fish and shellfish and benefit
communities by providing a natural defense against coastal flooding from storms and
sea-level rise.»
«Healthy salt marshes buffer storms and are fertile grounds for juvenile fish, rare
plants and coastal water birds,» said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner
George N. Peterson, Jr. «This project will have a very positive impact on wildlife,
and provide outdoor recreational opportunities including fishing, shellfishing, and
bird watching.»
The project will replace a degraded and undersized state bridge on Route 28, a
primary transportation corridor on Cape Cod, with a modern 30-foot-wide bridge. It
will reduce damage to infrastructure by allowing storm surge to flow more rapidly
out of the estuary following major storm events. The project will also improve fish
passage, salt marsh growth and improve the overall health of the Parkers River
estuary by reducing nitrogen loads.
«This project would not be where it is without the concerted efforts of so many at
the local level in the Town of Yarmouth, along with such great support from the
Commonwealth and our Federal partners,» said State Representative Timothy Whelan
(R-Brewster). «Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration, Secretary Beaton, and
Commissioner Peterson for your continued commitment to environmental sustainability
in the Mid-Cape region.»
«Stewardship of our fragile environment is a cherished value on Cape Cod, Martha’s
Vineyard, and Nantucket,» said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). «I am encouraged
to learn that Yarmouth has been selected to receive a $1 million grant for the
Parkers River Restoration project. This grant will go a long way in helping to
preserve and protect our unique corner of the Commonwealth.»
«This grant is a major step forward in the restoration of the Parkers River
estuary,» said State Representative William Crocker (R-Centerville). «The upgrade of
this bridge and culvert will not only help the coastal water system in the area but
will be a great improvement in traffic management on Route 28 through Yarmouth.»
The mission of the Division of Ecological
Restoration
protect the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of
people and the environment.
The Department of Fish and Game
responsible for promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Commonwealth’s
natural resources. DFG carries out this mission through land protection and wildlife
habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and wildlife species, and
ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water, and terrestrial habitats. DFG
promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills
workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access
to the Commonwealth’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.