Barnstable County Commissioners Meet in Eastham, Address Climate Planning, Drought Conditions, and Regional Infrastructure
March 25, 2026 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners convened today in Eastham, continuing their series of meetings held in towns across Cape Cod to engage directly with local officials and residents. The meeting included discussion of regional challenges such as climate planning, drought conditions, and infrastructure needs.
Eastham Conversation
In Eastham, Town Administrator Jacqueline Beebe and the Chair of the Select Board Gerald Cerasale held a discussion with the Commissioners focused on the pressures facing the town, while also reflecting broader challenges across Cape Cod, including rising infrastructure costs, workforce shortages, and the difficulty of maintaining services.
Town officials outlined the impact of major water and wastewater investments and the need for overrides to support schools, services, and municipal staff.
The conversation reinforced the need for regional approaches to shared challenges, particularly in staffing and service delivery, where towns are often competing for limited resources. Commissioners emphasized the County’s role in helping facilitate collaboration and support practical, shared solutions.
Draft Eastham Municipal Climate Action Plan
Cape Cod Commission Executive Director Kristy Senatori introduced Eastham’s Draft Climate Action Plan, followed by Deputy Director Steven Tupper, who presented the plan and its broader relevance for climate planning across Cape Cod.
The plan provides a structured framework for how Eastham can plan for climate impacts, prioritize actions, and align future investments. It includes strategies across areas such as natural resources, energy, infrastructure, and community planning, along with tools to evaluate cost, impact, and feasibility.
A key takeaway from the presentation was the emphasis on implementation. The plan is designed not as a fixed set of mandates, but as a decision-making tool that helps the Town identify priorities, measure progress over time, and position itself to secure state and federal funding.
The process also demonstrated a strong focus on community input, with outreach that included local boards, businesses, and residents, ensuring the plan reflects local conditions and priorities.
Commissioners noted the value of this approach as a model for other Cape Cod communities and highlighted the importance of continued regional coordination and technical support in addressing shared environmental challenges.
Drought Conditions and Water Supply
Tim Pasakarnis, Water Resources Analyst with the Cape Cod Commission, presented a regional overview of drought conditions and water supply, with specific focus on the Outer Cape and Eastham’s groundwater system.
Cape Cod remains in a Level 2 – Significant Drought, based on statewide data tracking precipitation, groundwater, and surface water conditions. While recent snowfall and rain occurred, much of that water has not yet reached the aquifer due to frozen ground.
The briefing highlighted a key challenge for the region: while Cape Cod’s aquifer receives substantial recharge each year, accessing water when and where it is needed—especially during peak summer demand—is increasingly constrained.
On the Outer Cape, including Eastham, those constraints are more pronounced. Groundwater is stored in smaller freshwater lenses with limited redundancy, making the system more sensitive to drought, high demand, and infrastructure limitations.
The presentation emphasized the importance of early and consistent water conservation, noting that actions taken now can help preserve supply heading into the summer season.
Commissioners underscored the need for clear public messaging and regional coordination to support conservation efforts, reinforcing that water supply remains one of the most pressing long-term challenges for Cape Cod.
Advancing Water Infrastructure Investment
Commissioners approved the execution of closing documents for a Massachusetts Clean Water Trust interim loan in an amount not to exceed $1,140,489, advancing previously authorized financing for sewer and other water pollution control abatement infrastructure. The action finalized key financing and regulatory steps needed to support continued investment in critical water quality infrastructure.
Regional Procurement and Roadway Projects
The Board also approved consent agenda items related to the County’s regional procurement program, including contracts for roadway construction materials and resurfacing work benefiting multiple Cape Cod communities. By coordinating purchasing across municipalities, the program helps towns reduce costs, improve efficiency, and access competitively priced services for critical infrastructure needs.
Dredging and Coastal Access
Commissioners approved an agreement with the Town of Falmouth to support dredging of the Eel Pond Approach Channel, including the removal of approximately 4,000 cubic yards of material. Dredged material will be transported to Washburn Island for placement and grading, along with pre- and post-dredge surveys to support safe navigation and channel maintenance.
These actions reflect the County’s ongoing role in maintaining coastal infrastructure, navigation, and access to local waterways, and remain an important part of regional support for harbor communities and the working waterfront.
Regional Initiatives and Economic Planning
Commissioners also authorized letters of support for key regional initiatives, including the Herring River Restoration Project and the Hyannis JFK Civic Hub, a proposed redevelopment initiative to enhance public space and economic activity in downtown Hyannis.
The Board also approved a new analysis to examine tax revenue and the potential impacts of sea level rise and flooding on the region’s tax base.
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.
