The Healey-Driscoll Administration poured more than $380,000 into grants aimed at water management and conservation projects that seek to tackle the perplexing dual threats of flooding and droughts exacerbated by climate change.
MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple declared that the state's increasingly freakish weather patterns have been stressing out rivers and water reserves, saying “Our changing climate has led to increasingly unpredictable weather. Sudden and extreme precipitation puts pressure on our rivers, watersheds, and aquifers – causing devastating flooding across the state,” while “On the flip side, we have seen increased instances of drought and resulting challenges around water availability. These grants will help communities and water systems build resilient water infrastructure and prepare for future water needs while protecting critical ecosystems.” and the grants are designed to help communities build resilient infrastructure, balance future water needs with ecological care, according to a detailed Massachusetts government press release.
Among the beneficiaries is the Abington-Rockland Joint Water Works, which got the lion's share with $149,500; the cash is earmarked to help the utility better leverage its Hingham Street Reservoir and ease off the gas at overtaxed wellfields, the bulk of funds go toward planning and tools that will let these communities make in-the-moment decisions to keep taps running without running local ecosystems dry.
In Foxborough, for example, a modest $18,240 grant will amp up water conservation through social media campaigns, rebates, and general education, while Milford's solid $48,000, will not only birth stormwater project designs but will foster rain gardens and model drought plans.
State Senator Becca Rausch also chimed in with pride for Milford's stride toward climate resiliency, highlighting the town's stormwater drive and rain garden site assessments as shining examples for the Charles River Watershed. With the state funds paired with nearly $100K more in contributions from the communities themselves, Massachusetts is demonstrating a true partnership approach to keeping its water sources safe and sustainable for the long haul, the total project work and services racked up more than $453,000, showing a significant combined effort to preserve the aqua vitae of these towns.
The program webpage of MassDEP provides detailed information on the distribution of funds for the current Water Management Act Grant round. The goal is to address the water needs of both present and future generations while maintaining transparency regarding environmental considerations.
