Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton joined members of the legislature and community representatives yesterday to announce over $10 million to assist communities in addressing deteriorating dams and refurbishing critical coastal infrastructure.
These awards include five dam repair projects, one dam removal, three coastal protection reconstruction projects and one levee refurbishment.
“ There is a growing need to repair dams, coastal flood control structures and inland flood control structures that pose a risk to public health, public safety and key economic centers, ” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito . “ Governor Baker and I are committed to working with municipalities to address these issues and protect our communities from the effects of strong storms.”
EEA’s Dam and Seawall Program will award $7.5 million to Gloucester, Hull, Scituate and Canton for dam projects and nearly $2.6 million to Attleboro, Gloucester, Millbury, Swansea, Walpole and Westfield for coastal protection projects. The awards are a combination of both grants and loans to help finalize the designs for and re-construct critical infrastructure
The program manages over $37.5 million with 23 active projects underway and 18 completed projects throughout the Commonwealth. These awards are funded by the Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Fund, established in 2013, as well as the Governor’s annual capital budget.