Commissioners Oppose USCG Removal Navigational Buoys, and Question US DHS Designation as a “Sanctuary Jurisdiction”
June 11, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – Today the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners voted to send a letter opposing the U.S. Coast Guard’s proposed removal of navigational buoys from Cape Cod waters. The letter will be sent jointly with the Assembly of Delegates. The Commissioners also received briefings on regional hurricane preparedness, PFAS remediation at the former fire training site, long-term capital planning, and the near completion of the Yarmouth Fire Training Facility.
County Officials Push Back on Buoy Removal Plan
David Condon, President of the Cape and Islands Harbormaster Association, Chatham Harbormaster Jason Holm, and Stuart Smith, Clerk of the Chatham Select Board and former longtime Harbormaster, addressed the Barnstable County Commissioners today to express serious concerns about the U.S. Coast Guard’s plan to remove approximately 30 navigational buoys from Cape Cod waters. They warned that eliminating these physical aids would endanger public safety across the region, particularly in fog-prone, shallow, and constantly shifting channels like those off Chatham. “Many of our mariners rely on these buoys, particularly in low visibility,” said Holm, a former Coast Guard officer.
The Commissioners expressed concerns over the growing budget pressures on the Coast Guard and voted to send a letter of strong opposition to the Coast Guard’s First District Commander, with copies to the Congressional delegation. “Removing aids to navigation in shark invested waters is not the answer to the Coast Guard’s budget problems,” said Commissioner Ron Bergstrom.
Commissioners Address the Designation of Barnstable County as a “Sanctuary Jurisdiction” by US DHS
County Commissioners discussed a recent notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security identifying the County as a “Sanctuary Jurisdiction.” Assistant County Administrator Vaira Harik confirmed that no County officials or departments have enacted any policies or taken actions that would justify such a designation. The Commissioners expressed concern that the designation could jeopardize federal funding for numerous County programs and unanimously supported the County Administrator’s efforts to obtain a formal explanation.
Other matters addressed during the Commissioners’ meeting included:
County Reviews Readiness Ahead of Hurricane Season Readiness
Chip Reilly, Emergency Preparedness Director for Barnstable County, briefed the Commissioners on regional readiness for the 2025 hurricane season. With much of Cape Cod’s population living within a mile of the coast—and an influx of summer visitors, the region faces heightened risks from storm surge, coastal flooding, and extended power outages, 90% of which are typically caused by downed trees.
With the Trump administration cutting back resources to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the Commissioners express concerns about the County’s ability to sustain a coordinated emergency response framework, including operation of the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC), the Cape Cod Regional Disaster Shelter System, and the Regional Emergency Planning Committee, which brings together municipal, public safety, health, utility, and volunteer partners. Reilly also updated the board on recent wildfire response training, active shelter and evacuation planning, and participation in community preparedness fairs and volunteer engagement through the Medical Reserve Corps and AmeriCorps Cape Cod.
“Our big concern is August,” said Reilly. “That’s when we have thousands of visitors on the Cape. It may be 90 degrees and sunny, but three days later a hurricane could be on our doorstep.” He urged residents to prepare to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours: “When big events happen, local responders get overwhelmed fast. If residents can prepare to be on their own for 72 hours, it helps everyone respond more effectively.”
Learn more about Regional Emergency Planning at www.capecod.gov/REPC
Infrastructure and Environmental Projects Progress Across Barnstable County
Paul Ruszala, Barnstable County’s Assets and Infrastructure Manager, delivered a comprehensive update to the Commissioners today, outlining the scale and complexity of major County projects, including PFAS remediation at the former fire training site, long-term facilities planning, and courthouse renovations.
Ruszala provided an update on environmental remediation at the former Barnstable County Fire Training Academy, where the County is addressing groundwater contamination caused by past use of firefighter foam. A permeable reactive barrier using activated carbon will be installed between July and October 2025 to intercept the migrating PFAS plume. This follows a successful pilot test completed last fall. As part of the ongoing Phase II Site Assessment, the County is conducting ecological risk analysis, 3D groundwater modeling, and coordinating with local systems including the Maher Wells and the Barnstable Water Pollution Control Facility.
A public information meeting is scheduled for July 29 at 5:00 PM. Ruszala noted that Barnstable County has already committed over $13 million in PFAS-related contracts through 2026. Depending on the scope of Phase IV cleanup, construction costs could range from $10 million to $60 million. “We’re balancing near-term cleanup work with long-term capital planning to protect public health and meet state requirements,” he said.
Superior Courthouse Restoration Project
Ruszala also reported on the planned $5.2 to $6 million restoration of the historic Superior Courthouse in Barnstable, which includes masonry, structural, and window repairs. The County is working with the Massachusetts Trial Courts to determine whether the building will remain occupied during construction, a decision that will affect both cost and timeline. Construction is slated to begin in March 2026, with the project eligible for 75 percent state reimbursement.
Long-Term Facilities Master Plan in Development
In addition, Ruszala presented a draft Facilities Conditions Assessment and Master Plan, developed with Gensler, which will evaluate 23 County-owned buildings and guide capital planning through 2040. The final version is expected by August 29.
Yarmouth Fire Training Facility Nearing Completion
He concluded his update with a report on the nearly complete Yarmouth Fire Training Facility, which will serve fire departments across Cape Cod with ladder drills, smoke navigation, and live-fire simulation training. Final outfitting of “state-of-the art” and environmentally-safe burn rooms is expected to be completed soon.
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 offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
