Senator Eldridge and Representatives Gregoire and Gentile Announce Action Grant to Increase Climate Resilience in Marlborough
The grant is made possible through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, and responds to the need for climate resiliency action and funding
Marlborough, MA - The Baker-Polito administration recently announced a $56,250 grant to Marlborough 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. Marlborough’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. The Acton and Acton-Boxborough School District and Southborough also received Action Grants.
Marlborough’s Action Grant will allow them to investigate potential zoning updates, especially with regards to old infrastructure, water management, and the amount of pavement permitted by city ordinances.
“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 this project in Marlborough will continue the community’s momentum in combating climate change, and make Marlborough 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 Gregoire and Gentile also expressed their positive reactions to the grant announcement.
“As Massachusetts continues to lead on combating climate change, it is vital for our communities to mirror that effort,” said Representative Gregoire (D-Marlborough). “This grant will assist the City of Marlborough in its efforts to plan, prepare and safeguard against the alarming effects of climate change.”
“I am especially glad to have Marlborough residents receive this state support,” said Representative Gentile (D-Sudbury). “We need to look at everything through the lens of meeting the challenge of climate change. Action grants can help make our communities greener and safer. The Commonwealth also needs to continue to make bold investments in clean energy and stop the use of fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and cooling needs.”
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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