Senator Eldridge and Representative Sena Announce $282,624 Grant to Ayer-Devens Main Streets Regional Pocket Forest Pilot Project
The pilot pocket forest is a moving vehicle for training community members to plant and monitor pocket forests and testing methods
Ayer, MA – State Senator Jamie Eldrige (D-Acton) and State Representative Dan Sena (D-Acton) are pleased to announce a state grant of $282,624, awarded to the Ayer-Devens Main Streets Regional Pocket Forest Pilot Project. The grant was announced on August 30 by the Baker-Polito administration and Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Beth Card.
Administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant offers financial resources to municipalities that are seeking to advance priority climate adaptation actions to address climate change impacts resulting from extreme weather, sea level rise, inland and coastal flooding, severe heat, and other climate impacts.
The state program requires participating municipalities to incorporate its nine core principles, ranging from the development of proactive actions and nature-based solutions to engagements with environmental justice (EJ) populations and more.
The Ayer Select Board met in April and sent letters of support for the project. According to Alan Manoian, director of community and economic development, the proposed project would “engage local residents within neighborhoods that are located in close proximity to historic freight railroad lines and trucking routes, that through time have lost their neighborhood street shade trees.”
“My congratulations to Ayer for securing this important grant under the state’s MVP program. It is not only a vehicle for education and development but also a great start as we continue building a climate-resilient Massachusetts,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. “I am grateful to the Baker-Polito administration and the EEA for administering the MVP program and awarding the grant to Ayer and many other towns in my district.
“I am very glad to see Ayer secure this MVP Program grant for the pilot pocket forest. Thank you to the Baker-Polito administration for supporting the Town of Ayer with this critical funding that ensures we complement our collaboration on two landmark climate bills with local initiatives to develop climate resiliency,” said Representative Dan Sena.
The grant was part of a $32.8 million package awarded by the Baker-Polito administration. The MVP program launched in 2017 and has since continued to make investments in building climate change resilience throughout the Commonwealth.
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