Healey says ‘phased approach’ needed to secure funding for Cape bridges, starting with Sagamore

CAPE COD — In what they’re calling a “phased approach,” the governor’s office says they’re working to secure federal funding for the Cape Cod Canal Bridges Project by starting first with the Sagamore Bridge.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Army Corps of Engineers, announced they’re preparing to submit the first of two applications by August 21 to compete for $1.45 billion in federal funding, which is a sharp increase from the state’s initial financial commitment.

The funds would go directly towards starting construction on the Sagamore Bridge; a pivot from previous plans to secure funding for both the Bourne and Sagamore bridges at once.

However, state officials stress this is only phase one of the project, and that engineering, design, and permitting will still take place for both Cape bridges simultaneously.

“This funding would be used to immediately start construction of the Sagamore Bridge, while laying the groundwork for future reconstruction of the Bourne Bridge,” a spokesperson for Governor Maura Healey’s Office said in a statement. “This phased approach maintains momentum on design and permitting of both bridges for the full program.”

Soaring inflation has been blamed for the ballooning price tag of the project, which is now being priced in the billions.

In July, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced President Biden’s budget proposal of $350 million for the Cape Cod Canal Bridges Project.

Similarly, the Healey-Driscoll Administration allocated $262 million toward replacing the bridges in their Fiscal Year 2024-2028 Capital Investment Plan, with the goal of adding $700 million total towards the Governor’s long-term commitment.

By focusing on one bridge at a time, local lawmakers say it’s feasible for that state to secure funding.

“After multiple failed bids by the Baker administration, Massachusetts now has a fighting chance to start replacing the bridges due a competitive application that meets the eligibility standards for federal investment,” Senators Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman Bill Keating said in a joint statement. “We commend the Healey administration, MassDOT and the Army Corps of Engineers for this detailed, strategic, and actionable plan to utilize this federal funding opportunity for the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges”

According to the Governor’s Office, starting construction on the Sagamore is “the logical first choice,” due to traffic volume, safety, and economic impact, with the bridge being more traveled than Bourne and accounting for 56% of crashes on the bridges.

Similarly, state officials say the improvements to the Sagamore’s bridge cross-section, specifically the added auxiliary lanes, will provide a greater benefit to the Sagamore crossing compared to the Bourne Bridge.

“Rebuilding the Cape Cod Bridges has been a top priority of our administration since day one,” Governor Healey’s Office said. “It’s why we’ve increased the state’s funding commitment to the project, hired a Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure, and advocated for funding to be included in President Biden’s budget.”

Improvements for both the Sagamore and Bourne bridges have been sorely needed, as outlined in a May letter by lawmakers to the Secretary of Defense, where they described both bridges as “functionally obsolete.” Both bridges had an expected lifespan of 50 years. They are now nearing 90 years old.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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