Waterways Committee 10-27-2026

The Barnstable Waterways Committee met on October 27, 2026. It unanimously voted to support two Notices of Intent: a privately proposed vinyl bulkhead replacement at 1136 Craigville Beach Road, and the Town’s maintenance dredging at the Blish Point Boat Ramp. For Blish Point, the Harbor Master described the goal of obtaining a maintenance permit and bidding out a contractor for dredging as needed; no contract amount or award was reported. The committee also discussed the West Bay dredging procurement: three bids had been received, two were over budget, and the low bidder requested to withdraw because of an asserted bid error; the town’s legal department supported allowing the withdrawal. The project is on hold pending a new bid. DPW is considering a 2027 start around September 15 and asked for committee input on work hours and navigation access. Members emphasized maintaining safe passage where feasible and giving boatyards and boaters advance notice; no final procurement decision or vote was taken.

The committee received an update on the ongoing Oyster Harbors Bridge rehabilitation by contractor CORA, including structural steel work and mechanical and electrical upgrades intended to remove the bridge’s posted restriction. The bridge is expected to be closed to vessel passage from December 15 through April 30, with possible reopening for testing earlier; no contract value was stated. The Harbor Master also reported that proposed 2027 division fees had been submitted to the Town Manager for a public hearing, and discussed seasonal buoy and dock removal. No other spending or contract approvals were identified.