The Healey-Driscoll Administration has reportedly rolled out a hefty $10.9 million in grants to strengthen Massachusetts' aging dam and coastal infrastructure. According to a recent announcement from the state's government, the funds will be channeled towards repairing or removing outdated dams, seawalls, levees, and other critical structures. This financial backing aims to support twenty-three municipalities and nonprofit organizations, with the intention of averting potential risks to homes, roads, and neighborhoods.
Under the spotlight of this initiative, Governor Maura Healey was quoted saying, "Strong infrastructure keeps our communities running - from protecting homes during storms to keeping roads open and water secure." She stressed the importance of investing in projects that prevent future problems, ultimately saving money and securing safe environments for residents. Representing a state that is battered by storms and coastal challenges, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, in a statement obtained by Massachusetts Government, conveyed her firsthand understanding of the struggles to secure funds for essential infrastructure maintenance.
The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program, as detailed by state officials, has a broader scope than immediate safety. It encapsulates design, permitting, and construction of projects that promise to enhance public health, safety, and ecological well-being. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper pointed out that the weather patterns today weren’t factored into the designs of the past century's infrastructure. Echoing this sentiment, she said to Massachusetts Government, "These investments help communities upgrade what is outdated and make lasting improvements."
Committed to reinforcing Massachusetts' defenses against nature's furies, the Healey-Driscoll Administration also proposed the Mass Ready Act, targeting reinforcements for the state's infrastructure and ultimately cushioning homes, businesses, and communities against the likes of climate change. Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) championed these grants, recognizing the resulting fortification of communities across Massachusetts including Holliston and Hopkinton. Senator Fattman (R-Sutton) told Massachusetts Government that bipartisan cooperation is crucial in making infrastructure more accessible for towns constrained by their budgets.
Since 2013, through the Dam and Seawall Program, the state has put nearly $146 million in grants and loans to work, targeting infrastructural overhauls.
