The Massachusetts legislature at the initiation of the office of Senator Julian Cry, has voted a $250,000 to be allocated to the Town of Chatham for improved drainage and replacement of the Morris Island Road tide gate, in the Morris Island Road area. Subsequent to the first passage of the Chatham funds, the language of the bill was amended to “not less than $250,000 shall be expended for flood water drainage and tide gate analysis and replacement at various locations within the Town of Chatham. It was the flooding in Morris Island Rd./Little Beach areas that precipitated the vote by the Legislature. We, the owners in the Little Beach, Stage and Morris Island areas affected by the 2018 winter flooding, insist that these funds be used in the location originally voted, and not diverted for other projects, by Town Departments.

We urge the Chatham Selectmen and taxpayers to commit funds to master plan drainage, funds for the tide gate that may exceed the $250,000 allocated by the legislature, and permit comprehensive measures to protect public roads, natural resources, and infrastructure and the health and safety of homeowners in the Little Beach, Stage and Morris Island areas. We further request that the Chatham Board of Selectmen schedule regular meetings for the participation of residents with town departments as plans are developed and work implemented regarding drainage and replacement of the tide gate. Last, we ask the Board to petition Governor Baker and other officials to authorize the full funding of the $650,000, voted to Chatham by the Legislature, at the earliest possible date to prevent further damage to the Little Beach and Morris Island Road areas.