Biden Budget Would Transfer Ownership Of Cape Bridges To Massachusetts

BOURNE, MA — Massachusetts politicians are praising President Joe Biden after his new budget proposal gives aid to major Cape Cod projects.

Biden's Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes major funding for the replacement of both Cape Cod Canal bridges and clears the way for Massachusetts to take ownership of the two bridges.

According to the budget itself, the 2024 budget includes an initial down payment of $350 million for the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges.

In total, the $600 million commitment would also clear the way for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to transfer both funds and ownership of the bridges over to the Commonwealth.

Among those now giving praise to Biden is Gov. Maura Healey.

"The Cape Cod Canal Bridges Project is critical for Massachusetts’ communities and economy," said Healey.

"I’m grateful to the Biden Administration for committing this $350 million down payment on the project, as well as Senators Warren and Markey and Congressman Keating for their leadership and partnership to secure this crucial investment. Our administration remains committed to working closely with our local, state and federal partners to see this through."

Keating also issued a statement:

Recently, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and U.S. Army Corps requested $1.882 billion from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration's first round of Bridge Investment Program grants, but the bridge replacement project wasn't one of the four selected.

In total, the project is estimated to cost nearly $4 billion, and the $1.882 billion requested would have represented 47 percent of those costs, officials said.

The two bridges provide the only roadway connection on and off Cape Cod for the 263,000 residents of the Cape and Islands, as well as 5 million annual visitors, MassDOT said.

The project has a total estimated cost of $3.976 billion and would replace both bridges and improve the adjoining roadway network. It will also provide for better bicycle and pedestrian access.

This funding would signal major investment for the Cape, but still has to pass both the House and Senate.