The Healey-Driscoll Administration has allocated $558,531 in federal grants toward five water quality and habitat improvement projects within the Buzzards Bay watershed. This action works toward the goals outlined by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, as per the press release by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper detailed that the grants are aimed at community-oriented projects promoting ecological balance. The funding supports collaboration between local economies and environmental preservation.
With additional $336,000 from other sources, the grants will be distributed through the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Projects cover treatments for stormwater discharges, salt marsh creation, wastewater treatment plants upgrade, new neighborhood-scale wastewater systems, and enforcement of stormwater management, as detailed in the press release.
The Town of Fairhaven and the City of New Bedford were among the grant recipients. Fairhaven will address shellfish area pollution through changes in stormwater management, with the allocation of $125,000. New Bedford, partnering with Groundwork Southcoast, will utilize their $93,531 grant to establish a salt marsh in Riverside Park.
The Town of Wareham and the Marine Biological Laboratory will jointly receive $275,000 to further develop their effluent biofilters. This project aims to significantly reduce nitrogen levels, facilitating sewering expansion in Wareham.
In addition, the Town of Westport received a $25,000 grant for monitoring and controlling municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) discharges. This initiative will help alleviate stormwater pollution.
Joe Costa, Executive Director of the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, expressed his anticipation in supporting the communities who were selected for these grants. They will be piloting innovative solutions to wastewater, stormwater, and climate resilience, aiming to create a healthier Buzzards Bay watershed, as mentioned in the press release.
These water preservation initiatives represent a collaborative effort by state and local governments, along with NGOs. They aim not just to confront but to overcome environmental conservation challenges. The Healey-Driscoll Administration's grants are indirectly working to enhance the symbiotic relationship between human development and nature, promoting sustainable growth for future generations.
