"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. "I am pleased that the House has acted on this bill so we can continue to tackle a number of pressing issues facing Cape Cod."
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.
Senator Kennedy said, “The Cape Cod National Seashore is a magnificent part of our Commonwealth’s heritage and history. It’s gratifying that this legislation will help to guarantee that future generations will enjoy it too.”
"The Cape Cod National Seashore is a gem in our state. 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.
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.
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