The Healey-Driscoll Administration has doled out $2.1 million in grants to fortify coastal water quality and restore regional habitats, says the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). The funds intended to assist local organizations including the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Charles River Watershed Association, in addition to several towns like Falmouth, Kingston, Yarmouth will be distributed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Office of Coastal Zone Management.
The specific purpose of these funds, recognized as Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (CHWQ) Grants, is to support communities in combating stormwater runoff, securing critical ecosystems, and formulating specialized conservation strategies. Benefits extend to both human communities and natural habitats, assuring lasting maintenance of the coastal environment. CHWQ grants acknowledge the necessity to emphasize on green infrastructure methods and nature-centered approaches, conducive to both enhanced water quality and coastal ecosystem resilience in response to climate change effects.
"Green infrastructure options are a standout among means to preserve water quality and resilience towards climate change," expressed Energy & Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. These nature-based solutions advocate for the usage of vegetation and natural landscape features, functioning efficiently in handling stormwater and averting erosion.
Lisa Berry Engler, CZM Director, has voiced enthusiasm about cooperating with the grant recipients to tackle environmental challenges and establish long-lasting solutions. They have demonstrated the interconnected nature of water quality, habitat conservation, and climate change through CHWQ grants for two consecutive years, offering targeted financial support to coastal communities and nonprofits.
The grants fund a wide array of environmental initiatives with 10 projects this year receiving financing. Tops among them is the $761,137 grant awarded to the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) for concluding the permitting part and final designs for green stormwater infrastructure choices at four public boat ramps. The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management stated this project, among others, has the goal to improve water quality and enlarge recreational opportunities. Additional funded initiatives comprise designing green infrastructure for the Fresh River system in Falmouth, a distinct restoration plan for the tidal marshes west of Mattapoisett Neck Road, and devising green stormwater infrastructure designs for five priority sites in Yarmouth.
"Swift action in the face of pollution and the climate crisis is critical. It's crucial we protect coastal waters and habitats for current and future generations," pointed out State Senator Julian Cyr. The grant allocation of $1.5 million by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to Cape Cod initiatives demonstrates a solid dedication, to both the protection of the environment and the prosperity of local communities.
