Posted on September 30, 2024
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $13.9 million in grants to support the repair of dams and coastal infrastructure across Massachusetts. The funding, provided through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Dam and Seawall program, will help 23 municipalities and nonprofit organizations to address critical repairs and safely remove outdated structures in their communities.
The Dam and Seawall program focuses on enhancing the safety and functionality of essential infrastructure, which protects residents and supports local economies. Prioritizing repairs and removals will help mitigate risks associated with severe weather events and rising sea levels.
“Last year was another reminder of how crucial it is to maintain our dams and seawalls—they are essential to our safety and infrastructure. That’s why I allocated an additional $1 million for dam safety technical assistance in my budget,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With the grants we’re announcing today, we are empowering municipalities to strengthen their resilience and confidently prepare for whatever storms may come their way.”
“Many communities struggle with the financial burden of funding infrastructure projects. These grants deliver crucial relief, allowing municipalities of all sizes to tackle aging infrastructure right away. The state is here to help, ensuring communities can implement the resilient solutions they need,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are dedicated to assisting communities in implementing resilient solutions that will meet their needs for the long term.”
The investment demonstrates the administration’s dedication to helping communities adapt to climate change. By restoring and removing aging infrastructure, public safety will improve, and local ecosystems will be protected. This will also increase resilience in coastal areas. The grants will fund fourteen design and permitting projects and nine construction projects to advance designs and permits as well as to construct the projects. Since the program began in 2013, the Dam and Seawall Program has provided $134 million in grants and loans to address deficient dams, seawalls, and levees with these new grants.
“Over the past year, I have seen amazing projects focused on transforming our dams and seawalls into resilient, sustainable structures,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These initiatives adapt to climate challenges, restore ecosystems, and protect our communities from rising seas and extreme weather. This funding is crucial for speeding up repairs and implementing innovative designs that are essential for a sustainable future.”
“As a State Senator representing seaside communities, I understand that strong coastal infrastructure is not just a matter of the development and preservation of our towns, it’s essential for our safety, economy, and way of life,” said State Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-1st Plymouth and Norfolk). “Our coastal areas are not only beautiful to those who live here and for tourism, but also serve as critical hubs for fishing and shipping. Investing in robust infrastructure with this significant funding that Duxbury and Weymouth received will protect our homes from storms and rising seas, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and thrive in the South Shore.”
“This funding is critical to improving climate resiliency and unlocking positive development in a dilapidated part of Haverhill. With this $1,000,000 grant, the habitat in the little river will benefit and the overall economic outlook of the Lafayette square neighborhood will greatly improve,” said State Representative Andres Vargas (D-3rd Essex). “I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for prioritizing Haverhill.”
The projects receiving grants are:
Dam Design and Permit
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