Hoosic River Group to Meet
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Hoosic River Revival Coalition Steering Committee will meet Friday, Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. in City Hall to further discuss removing channels of the Hoosic River per a state grant. The public is invited to attend the meeting in the second-floor conference room.The Hoosic River Revival Coalition, working in concert with the Hoosic River Watershed Association has been chosen as a "priority project" by Governor Deval Patrick and Energy Secretary Ian Bowles.
One of only five state river and salt marsh restoration projects to receive funding, the Hoosic project meets the criteria of the Department of Fish and Game Division of Ecological Restoration. The mission of such is "to restore and protect the health and integrity" of the state's waterways. The project is seen as one that will provide local jobs, improve public safety, and help communities prepare for and adapt to climate change.
The announcement from the state can be seen on its Web site.
The Coalition, founded two years ago, is comprised of 35 members, a mix of city officials, representatives of recreational and planning groups, the artistic community, interested citizens and local businesses. The Steering Committee meets monthly, and has obtained the endorsement of Mayor Richard Alcombright, as well as local civic groups.
The City Council officially endorsed the project in December 2009, citing its importance to the "continued economic development of the city." Both Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts are working with the Coalition on the project as well.
The Hoosic flows north through North Adams where it is channeled into 10 to15 feet high by 45 feet wide concrete flood chutes for about a mile in the downtown. After exiting the MASS MoCA complex, it meets the north branch of the Hoosic which is also encased in similar chutes starting at the Eclipse Mill. Built more than 50 years ago by the Army Corps of Engineers, the concrete walls were designed as a result of flooding in the 1930s.
The public is invited to view information on the Web sites of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and the Hoosic River Watershed Association, as well as on Facebook. For more information, contact Judy Grinnell at 413-822-2376.
