Barnstable County continues to provide safe access to Cape Cod’s ports

Earlier this week, the Barnstable County Commissioners convened as part of the ongoing FY26 budget season to hear presentations from several departments including Dredge Department outlining their priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and to provide updates.

The Dredge Department Director Ken Cirillo indicated a modest 3% increase in the FY26 Dredge Department budget.

The Department works throughout the year to provide safe access for the Cape’s mariners. Recent projects included work in Cotuit, Parker’s River, and Bass River, though winter conditions and time-of-year restrictions posed challenges.

According to Cirillo, the cost of dredging continues to rise and permit delays continue to complicate the scheduling process.

The Commissioners emphasized the department’s importance to the Cape’s commercial fishing industry and the overall economic importance of the ports.

Each dredging project includes a beach nourishment component that helps stabilize eroding coastal areas and provides public access, recreation and resilience benefits.