Senator Eldridge, Representative Sena, and Representative Gouveia Announce $1M Grant to the Acton 53 River Street Dam Removal Project
The state grant will allow the removal of a dilapidated dam on Fort Pond Brook
Stow, MA – State Senator Jamie Eldrige (D-Acton), State Representative Tami Gouveia (D-Acton), and Representative Dan Sena (D-Acton) are pleased to announce a state grant of $1,000,000 awarded to the Acton 53 River Street Dam Removal Project. The project, which received a $75,000 state grant from the same program last year, will move forward with demolishing the hazardous structure built in the 1800s. Dams in the area provided hydropower for early industrialization, but today, the flood risks caused by the historic structure asks for re-evaluation and removal.
The grant was announced on September 8 by the Baker-Polito administration and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). Part of an approximately $19.2 million grant package through the EEA’s Dam and Seawall program, the grants address failing dams and strengthen coastal infrastructure. The EEA program has been releasing grants and loans to address deficient dams, seawalls, and levees since 2013.
According to EEA’s website, Massachusetts faces a growing need for the repair of dams, coastal flood control and protection structures, and inland flood control structures. In some cases, public safety and key economic centers are at risk due to deteriorating infrastructure. In other instances, the structures no longer serve their purpose, and removal provides the opportunity to restore ecological systems. EEA enters into contracts with qualified organizations to implement projects for the repair and removal of dams, levees, seawalls, and other forms of flood control.
“The 53 River Street Dam Removal Project in Acton is a great move that can greatly benefit the local communities. The removal of such an unsafe structure will largely improve safety and also restore the natural growth of fish, water, plants, and nutrients,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. “I am grateful to the EEA for administering the Dam and Seawall program and awarding the grant to Acton. I am also excited as the removal of this dam will help contribute the creation of a new park along River Street, that will not only provide more recreation for Acton residents, but a greater appreciation for the industrial history of Acton, including mills once here, powered by the river.”
“I am excited to join my colleagues in announcing $1 million in critical funding for the 53 River St. Dam Removal Project in Acton. This investment in our infrastructure will improve safety, revitalize local eco-systems, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation in town. I thank the EEA for administering this program and for choosing Acton as a recipient of this grant,” said Representative Tami Gouveia.
“I am glad to see that the Dam Removal Project on 53 River Street will move forward. This achievement is a significant step toward making our community safer and improve the environment. I thank everyone who collaborated to make this project a reality,” said Representative Dan Sena.
For more information regarding EEA Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program, please visit the EEA’s website here.
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