October 16, 2019
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District
Attn: Cape Cod Bridges Study NEPA Coordinator
696 Virginia Road
Concord, Massachusetts 01742
Dear Ms. Bradley,
The Cape Cod Technology Council, Inc. (“CCTC”) is pleased to have the opportunity to provide comment on the Army Corps’ Draft Major Rehabilitation Evaluation Report, Cape Cod Canal Highway Bridges (MRER). Founded in 1996, the CCTC is a membership based non-profit organization whose mission is to promote technology, education and economic development on Cape Cod, the Islands, and Southeastern Massachusetts. Our membership includes local Cape, Islands, and Southeastern Massachusetts businesses, technology innovators, educational organizations, government entities, working professionals, and community leaders.
The CCTC is a member of the Coalition for the Fix and recognizes Cape Cod residents and businesses depend on predictable and efficient travel over the Cape Cod Canal for economic well-being, as well as safety during medical emergencies and natural disasters.
The CCTC supports the MRER recommendation that “providing two new highway bridges would be the most effective means of providing safe and reliable crossings”. The detailed analysis contained in the MRER demonstrates that this recommendation is superior to the range of options considered. The CCTC understands that any delay in decision-making could vastly increase the costs of the project by forcing the Army Corps to pursue major rehabilitation instead of bridge replacement. Accordingly, the CCTC supports the expeditious implementation of the MRER recommendation.
Respectfully,
/s/
Jennifer Reid, President
Cape Cod Technology Council, Inc.