April 29th, 2024 - BOSTON - Representative Dylan Fernandes has successfully delivered $935,000 in state funding for the Cape & Islands in the FY2025 Massachusetts House of Representatives budget.
“Delivering results for the people I represent is the most important part of this job, and this $935,000 in funding delivers on key district priorities,” said Rep. Fernandes. “The amendments I passed will support many of the attributes that make our community special by investing in fishing families and healthy oceans, boosting our research and education economy, providing healthy recreation and after-school activities for children, and strengthening Cape Cod’s economic competitiveness.”
On Thursday, nearly 13 hours of budget negotiations culminated in the passage of $60,000 for Cape Cod YMCA to support their efforts to build a YMCA facility on the Upper Cape. The planned construction of the Upper Cape Y would provide a central gathering place for residents to connect and engage with one another, ultimately expanding the YMCA’s capacity to offer a wider range of activities and programs on Cape Cod.
“As we assemble the private and public funds to bring a new YMCA facility to the Upper Cape, we are thrilled to secure the support of the Commonwealth through Representative Dylan Fernandes’ leadership and dedication to the project,” said Stacie Peugh, President and CEO of YMCA Cape Cod. “A Y in Falmouth will transform countless lives for the better in the years to come. On behalf of the citizens that will benefit from this Y, we thank you Representative Fernandes!”
On the last day of budget negotiations, Rep. Fernandes secured a massive $700,000 funding tranche for healthy oceans and local fishermen. $500,000 will be directed to the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance to procure sustainable fishing equipment and adopt sustainable fishing practices. A further $150,000 was directed to fund shellfish propagation on the Cape and Islands, supporting a culturally, environmentally and economically significant industry. $50,000 was also earmarked for the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust to support their food distribution program and otherwise support the fishing industry on-island.
The House also adopted a $100,000 budget amendment for Marine Biological Laboratory's research and educational programs. These funds will be used to support ongoing research projects, enhance educational outreach initiatives, and further solidify Wood's Hole's status as a world leader in ocean research.
“The MBL is grateful for the state’s support for our world-renowned research and training programs, which help bolster the state’s economy by bringing 1,400 scientists and students to Woods Hole each year,” said Dr. Nipam Patel, Director of the Marine Biological Laboratory. “We thank Representative Fernandes and Chairman Michlewitz for their efforts to ensure that the MBL has the programs it needs to continue to make the MBL and the state of Massachusetts a leader in biological, biomedical, and environmental sciences.”
In the final hours of the budget process, Rep. Fernandes also won $75,000 in funding for the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce to expand workforce development programming and help train commercial drivers on Cape Cod.
After the House budget process is completed this week, the legislation will move to the Senate for approval. The final version will then be sent to the governor for her signature.
