Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission extended to 2018

Kennedy, Kerry & Delahunt commend the passage of the bill extending the CCNS advisory commission to 2018

WASHINGTON, DC -- Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry and Representative William D. Delahunt today commended the passage of legislation by the United States Senate to extend the authorization of the long-standing Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission to 2018. 

The Commission is composed of local, state, and federal representatives who advise the National Park Service on development proposals in order to ensure the preservation of the unique values of Cape Cod National Seashore.  The Commission’s authorization expired on September 26th. 

"Over the years the Advisory Commission has proven to be an important forum for Cape Cod communities and others to speak with one voice about the preservation of the Seashore," said Delahunt. "We have similar legislation in the House and I look forward to speedy passage so we can tackle a number of pressing issues facing Cape Cod."

Senator Kennedy’s spokesperson Melissa Wagoner said, "Senator Kennedy was a strong supporter of this legislation.  He believes the Commission’s mission to give all levels of government a voice in land use decisions affecting the Seashore is more important than ever today in protecting this national treasure."

"The Cape Cod National Seashore is one of our state’s most treasured regions. Extending the Advisory Commission’s authorization will help further protect it from development and preserve its natural resources for future generations to enjoy," said Senator Kerry.

"Over the years the Advisory Commission has proven to be an important forum for Cape Cod communities and others to speak with one voice about the preservation of the Seashore," said Delahunt. "We have similar legislation in the House and I look forward to speedy passage so we can tackle a number of pressing issues facing Cape Cod."

The Commission was created as part of the original Cape Cod National Seashore Act approved by Congress in 1961 and signed into law by President Kennedy, who had filed legislation to authorize the Seashore when he served in the Senate. 

The ten-member Commission is composed of appointees by each of the six Cape towns abutting the Seashore: Chatham, Eastham, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro, and Wellfleet; one appointee by Barnstable County; two appointees of the Governor of Massachusetts; and one appointee by the U.S. Department of Interior. 

The Commission has been reauthorized several times since 1961.  Its most recent reauthorization, sponsored by Representative Delahunt in 1998, provided a ten-year extension to 2008.  The legislation which passed today extends the Commission’s authorization to 2018.

Release courtesy of Senator Kennedy's office.