County Commissioners Reaffirm Opposition To Joint Base Gun Range

The commissioners oppose the proposed $11.5 million machine gun range because of its potential to contaminate the region’s single-source aquifer. Military training activities—involving weapons such as machine guns, 12-gauge shotguns, grenade launchers and pistols—are expected to take place on the site. The site is already suffering from past military activities that caused significant cost to taxpayers in cleanup measures.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from environmental organizations and residents who feel their health may be put at risk with additional pollution or contamination concerns resulting from the planned exercises.

Commissioners Catchup

In other news, the commissioners authorized the award and execution of an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant in the amount of $619,463 to the Town of Dennis to fund water quality projects that will focus on the town’s impaired water bodies and meet the requirements of the 208 Plan and MS4 permit.

The projects will include constructing natural solutions to improve infiltration, increase flood control capacity and improve resiliency. The ARPA funds will provide the matching funds needed for grants intended for water quality improvement projects.

Paul Ruszala, the county’s asset and infrastructure manager, briefed the board on the status of the identification and cleanup of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the former fire training site, highlighting details such as routine PFAS sampling, groundwater pump and treat system performance, new PFAS exploration work, coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and budget planning.

Vaira Harik, assistant county administrator, and Kate Lena, program manager at the Department of Human Services, provided an update on the National Opioid Settlement Funds, including an update on the county’s funds and its process, timeline and priorities for spending, as well as the advisory role the county is undertaking.

The opioid settlements, led by Governor Maura T. Healey when she was attorney general, resulted in more than $26 billion in national payouts and more than $500 million to Massachusetts. At this point, the agreement includes Cardinal, McKesson, AmerisourceBergen and Johnson & Johnson. Walmart, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Allergen, CVS and Walgreens were also recently added.

These five additional settlements will send an estimated $420 million to the commonwealth. To join this second settlement, interested municipalities must submit participation forms to the state by April 18.

Leslie Dominguez-Santos and Jeanne Morrison of the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission updated the board on the commission’s work, highlighting events such as the Human Rights Academy and ongoing efforts to educate the community.

The board specifically discussed the need for further education regarding aboriginal rights of groups such as the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

Sonja Sheasley, the county communications manager, discussed the upcoming celebration of National County Government Month during April 2023. Ms. Sheasley plans to launch a campaign bolstering awareness of the county’s role, specifically around water quality initiatives on Cape Cod.

April’s theme, “Barnstable County is Protecting Cape Cod’s Water,” will feature a landing page on www.capecod.gov with posts, calls to action, tips and trivia throughout April. Details about an art contest for grades 1 to 12 will arrive later this month.

The board also authorized the execution of a HOME Investment Partnership Project Development Agreement with Scranton Main LLC for the Barnstable County HOME-funded Scranton Main project in Falmouth.