The Baker-Polito Administration has announced $1.352.250 in state and federal grant funds for five river restoration projects within the City of Taunton, and the Towns of East Bridgewater, Falmouth and Plymouth through the Department of Fish and Game’s DER Priority Projects Program.
The program provides projects with grant funding, project management, and contracted technical services for wetland and river restoration, urban river revitalization and streamflow restoration projects that present the greatest benefit to the Commonwealth, ecologically, socially and economically.
“Our Administration continues to place a high priority on building strong relationships with our federal, municipal, non-profit, and private partners, as we seek natural solutions that improve the environment, enhance community safety, and support job creation,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
“Priority Projects have left their mark throughout every region of the Commonwealth, and once these projects are completed, the river systems in these communities and the ecosystems they support will be stronger and better prepared for the effects of climate change.”
“These river restoration projects will greatly improve the ecology of several river systems within the Commonwealth by reviving fisheries populations and creating important wetlands for wildlife,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.
“We look forward to working with the communities of East Bridgewater, Falmouth, Plymouth, and Taunton to ensure these natural resources are protected and preserved for future generations to benefit from.”
The bulk of the funds being awarded – $1,182,250 – are from federal grants awarded to DER under the Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Funding Competitive Grant Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency and Coastal & Marine Habitat Restoration Grant Programs.
The remaining $170,000 are grants from state capital funds, recently approved by the Baker-Polito Administration.
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