Boston (September 28, 2018) – Massachusetts Senators Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren introduced legislation to reauthorize the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission until 2028. The Commission is currently set to expire in 2018 under current law. The Advisory Commission was authorized in 1961 to represent the six towns in the park, Barnstable County, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to provide citizen input to the Secretary of the Interior about matters related to the Cape Cod National Seashore. Representative William Keating (MA-09) introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to extend the authorization for the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission, and it passed on September 26, 2018.

President John F. Kennedy signed the Cape Cod National Seashore bill into law on August 7, 1961 “to preserve the natural and historic values of a portion of Cape Cod for the inspiration and enjoyment of people all over the United States.” More than four million visits were made to the Cape Cod National Seashore annually for the past seven consecutive years, a testament to its ability to inspire and bring joy to residents of the Commonwealth and travelers from around the world.

“National parks are known as one of America’s best ideas, and the Cape Cod National Seashore is the stuff of genius,” said Senator Markey. “We need to make sure the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission continues to operate so that this special and irreplaceable wonder of the natural world can continue to inspire the millions of visitors it welcomes every year.”

“The Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission has, since 1961, provided an important voice for our local governments on the Cape to protect and manage this incredibly beautiful seashore,” said Senator Warren. “This reauthorization will ensure that our communities continue to have seats at the decision-making table.”

“I am glad my friends and colleagues, Senators Warren and Markey, are taking the National Seashore legislation up in the Senate,” said Rep. Keating. “They know how critically important the Advisory Commission is to our Cape communities and our regional economy. I look forward to working with them to get this over the finish line.”

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.

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