Barnstable County Commissioners and Assembly of Delegates Oppose Changes to Clean Water State Revolving Fund
February 27, 2025 (BARNSTABLE, MA)– Barnstable County leaders are uniting against proposed changes to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Intended Use Plan, warning that the revisions could disrupt critical wastewater projects across Cape Cod.
In a special meeting last night, the Assembly of Delegates passed Resolution 2025-05, formally opposing the draft 2025 CWSRF Intended Use Plan (IUP) and calling on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to reverse proposed changes that would impose a $50 million annual funding cap per town and eliminate guaranteed multi-year financing. As part of the resolution, the Assembly authorized sending a formal letter to DEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, detailing the potential consequences of these policy shifts on Cape Cod’s wastewater infrastructure.
“Cape Cod towns have spent years developing wastewater solutions to protect our environment and economy,” said Sheila Lyons, Chair of the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners. “These changes undermine that progress and create financial uncertainty that could halt projects in their tracks. Our communities need long-term commitments—not roadblocks—to ensure clean water for future generations.”
The CWSRF has been a key resource in supporting Cape towns as they invest in large-scale wastewater infrastructure to reduce nitrogen pollution and improve water quality. The proposed changes, if adopted, would force municipalities to downsize projects, increase costs, and reapply annually for uncertain funding—jeopardizing voter confidence and project feasibility.
“The Assembly of Delegates—the Cape’s regional forum with representatives from all 15 towns—is committed to providing a platform for advocacy on critical issues,” said Assembly Speaker Randi Potash of Chatham. “No issue is more urgent than water quality management.”
Assembly Delegate Michaela Wyman-Colombo of Mashpee emphasized the impact these changes would have on local budgets. “A central role of the Assembly is to address regional issues. The wastewater crisis affects every town on the Cape. A primary driver in moving forward with large-scale wastewater projects is 0% financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Plan, which also allows Cape Cod towns to receive 25% principal forgiveness.”
The Commissioners and Assembly have joined municipalities, state legislators, and environmental organizations in calling on DEP to restore multi-year funding commitments and remove the $50 million cap. To address broader funding shortages, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) has also proposed a $500 million state bond authorization to expand financing for water infrastructure projects.
Barnstable County remains committed to working collaboratively with DEP and state officials to develop sustainable funding solutions that protect Cape Cod’s water quality while ensuring financial stability for its towns.
To view the full letter sent to Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, https://www.capecod.gov/Oppose-CWSRF.
Media Contact: Sonja Sheasley. Communications Coordinator | (508) 375-6896 | sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov
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