Good news. I bet you could use some of that, so read on.
APCC led a brief but intense campaign to maintain momentum on wastewater management. Working with a coalition of local and county officials, state legislators, and bolstered by APCC member comments, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has abandoned its proposed change to wastewater financing terms that would have dampened ongoing progress Cape-wide.
There is a lot here to like. Despite originating this well intentioned, but somewhat misguided change, DEP listened to input from those impacted and changed course. DEP has been a solid partner throughout the Cape’s progression to modernizing wastewater management and this trend continues in the Healey-Driscoll administration’s DEP. The rapid and uniform response of elected leaders at the legislative, county, and municipal levels allowed the Cape to effectively speak with a uniform and consistent voice. The fact that APCC has a deep and trusting relationship with these elected leaders built on our expertise in wastewater financing, combined with APCC’s ability to quickly develop and disperse actionable messaging all contributed to the right outcome here.
There remains a lot to do on the wastewater management front and in so many other places. There is also value in pausing to appreciate a successful undertaking and resolving to build on that success as a foundation for more in the future.
