Senator Eldridge and Representatives Gouveia and Sena Announce Action Grant to Increase Climate Resilience in Acton and Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
The grant is made possible through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, and responds to the need for climate resiliency action and funding
Acton, MA - The Baker-Polito administration recently announced a $157,940 grant to Acton and the Acton-Boxborough school district to assist with climate change preparedness. The funds come from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, which connects communities to technical experts and allows them to identify, plan for, and mitigate climate hazards. Once a town completes the planning process and becomes an MVP Community, they can receive Action Grants which allow them to carry out those projects outlined in the initial planning phase.
Total funds distributed through the MVP Program so far are over $65 million dollars. Acton-Boxborough’s grant comes from $21 million distributed as the most recent round of funding. These recent funds are divided between 16 communities beginning the MVP planning process, and 66 others which have already completed the planning stage and are now receiving Action Grants for specific projects. Marlborough and Southborough also received Action Grants.
Acton and Acton-Boxborough School District’s Action Grant will support their efforts to develop a Climate Action Plan, and an Electrification Roadmap to make seven school and public buildings entirely electric.
“I am so pleased at the announcement of these grants, and would like to applaud the Baker-Polito Administration for their efforts on climate adaptation,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “Completion of these projects in Acton and Boxborough will continue the community’s momentum in combating climate change, and make both towns more climate resilient. To further increase these investments this legislative session I filed S.1853/H.2890 An Act providing for climate change adaptation infrastructure and affordable housing investments in the Commonwealth, also known as the HERO Bill, which would further increase climate resiliency funding by an additional $150 million per year.”
Representatives Gouveia and Sena also expressed their positive reactions to the grant announcement.
“I am thrilled to see Acton continue to lead on climate action in our Commonwealth,” said Representative Gouveia (D-Acton). “This grant will empower Acton and the Acton-Boxborough School District to design and implement a comprehensive Climate Action Plan and an Electrification Roadmap. This is a wonderful opportunity for Acton to become more climate-resilient and adopt greater green energy solutions.”
"I am glad to hear that Acton and Acton-Boxborough will be receiving this MVP Program funding,” said Representative Sena (D-Acton). “We must leverage all available resources to prepare for and fight against climate change. By making these school and public buildings entirely electric, we are taking another important step to ensure that Acton and Acton-Boxborough are up to the challenge of climate resiliency. Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for supporting us through this critical program."
This round of grants will help improve the resilience of communities across Massachusetts to the worsening effects of climate change, and are a very positive step in adaptation and planning efforts.
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