Jennette Barnes

2 weeks ago | capeandislands.org | Jennette Barnes

Most of the Sagamore Bridge replacement project’s nearly $2 billion in federal funding has not yet hit state coffers, and officials are watching the situation closely. State Sen. Dylan Fernandes, who represents the Upper Cape and part of Plymouth County, said the “vast majority” of the money isn’t here yet. But he said that’s normal, because the bridge replacement project is in the early stages.

2 weeks ago | capeandislands.org | Jennette Barnes

New Bedford is updating and expanding its plan to reduce harm from natural disasters and other hazards. The plan functions as a priority list, and the city is seeking public comment to help set those priorities. Having a current five-year plan makes the city eligible for federal grants to fund projects named in the document, such as improving dams to protect against flooding and installing stronger moorings to reduce vessel damage in a storm.

3 weeks ago | nhpr.org | Jennette Barnes

SouthCoast Wind is responding to litigation by the Town of Nantucket appealing federal approval of the offshore wind farm planned for waters 20 miles south of the island. The CEO of SouthCoast Wind, Michael Brown, told CAI the federal review was rigorous with regard to Nantucket’s concerns for environmental and historic preservation. The wind farm’s parent company, Ocean Winds, remains confident in the thoroughness of the process, he said.

3 weeks ago | capeandislands.org | Jennette Barnes

The Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station plans to drain radioactive water from two areas of the plant in April, leading to reduced evaporation of the water. Community activists have long been concerned about public exposure to evaporative material from the plant. Water from the reactor cavity and dryer-separator pit will go into a more enclosed space, called the torus. How much the evaporation would be reduced is not clear.

1 month ago | capeandislands.org | Jennette Barnes

South Coast Rail has received the final approval it needs to begin service on Monday. An official at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority tells CAI the Federal Railroad Administration gave the OK today. The MBTA has been waiting for the feds to greenlight a plan for speed limits along the new commuter rail route, which goes from Middleborough to New Bedford and Fall River. Trains from both cities start in the predawn hours Monday morning.