Boost for Barnstable County dredge department

Technology

Ken Cirillo, the Director of the Barnstable County Dredge Program, last week informed the Commissioners of a $975,000.00 grant award from the Massachusetts Dredging Program, managed by the Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development. 

Ellicott Dredges, LLC photo

“As one of two regional dredging programs in the state, this is a major endorsement of our department and the critical dredging services that we provide to the towns on the Cape,” stated Ken Cirillo, the Dredge Director.

“These funds will go a long way to help us continue the rebuilding of the department.”   

The grant will purchase replacement equipment, upgrade dredging software and hardware, a survey boat and other necessary equipment to perform pre-and post-dredge surveys.

Also, the purchases will help to maintain navigational channels supporting commercial fishing, transportation, and recreational boating on the Cape while also improving water flow to maintain water quality in the bays and estuarine systems.