Commissioners Call on Gov. Healey to Stop Proposed Machine Gun Range in Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve
Protect Drinking Water for Falmouth, Bourne, Sandwich, Mashpee, Barnstable and Yarmouth
Barnstable, MA (September 10, 2024) – Today, the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners reaffirmed their opposition to the construction of the Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range (MPMGR) in the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve. The Commissioners reiterated their strong commitment to protecting Cape Cod’s primary drinking water supply and called on Governor Maura Healey, as Commander in Chief of the Massachusetts National Guard, to halt the project. Action is needed before the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2024, as the state has already solicited bids for the construction.
The Commissioners authorized County Special Counsel, Greg McGregor and Luke Legere, to file an updated version of a letter they issued in 2021 on behalf of Barnstable County, which outlined a comprehensive list of flaws and deficiencies in the environmental review process. This newly updated letter addresses additional concerns and will be filed with the Governor’s office, the Governor’s Legal Counsel, the Environmental Management Commission, and other state officials to ensure that the latest developments and ongoing issues are formally communicated.
Commissioner Forest said, “The EPA has determined that the project is an unacceptable risk to Cape Cod’s drinking water supply and the Governor can and should act now. The precedent was established by former Governor Paul Cellucci, who stopped a similar project on May 19, 1998. At that time, he called the proposed machine gun range a direct threat to Cape Cod’s drinking water supplies. He then proceeded to help pass bi-partisan legislation creating the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve. It is our hope the training will move down the highway at the new ranges on Fort Devens and we can avoid litigation.”
County to Establish $13.9 million Revenue Contingency Fund
In other news, the Board concurred with the Assembly of Delegates in establishing a $13.9 million dollar Revenue Contingency Fund to address unanticipated revenue shortfalls in the future, further strengthening Barnstable County’s financial position. The ordinance was originally proposed by the Board earlier this year and was recently adopted by the Assembly of Delegates.
Regional Emergency Preparedness Coordination
In recognition of Emergency Preparedness Month, Chip Reilly, Emergency Preparedness Specialist, reviewed the protocol for the Regional Emergency Planning Committee (REPC). The REPC is co-chaired by Chief Peter Burke of Hyannis Fire and Chief Heath Eldredge of Brewster Fire. The committee includes first responders from each town and there are over 500 stakeholders who receive updates during emergencies. Regular REPC meetings are essential for effective coordination and response to all hazards, including weather emergencies and chemical spills. The REPC also oversees the regional shelter program, which partners with AmeriCorps, the Salvation Army, the Medical Reserve Corps, and local animal support groups, such as the Disaster Animal Response Team (DART).
Barbara Cotton, Executive Director of the Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter of the American Red Cross, highlighted the organization’s readiness to respond to hurricanes and associated challenges, such as flooding. She also noted the Red Cross’s significant support efforts, including managing the largest food pantry in Massachusetts, providing critical assistance for fire displacement, and collecting 5,400 units of blood while distributing 167,000 blood products to hospitals across the state over the past year.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
