State Allocates $330K for 2 Berkshire Dam Projects
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Two Berkshire County dam projects were among 21 across the state receiving funding from the state's Dam and Seawall Program.
Pittsfield's Sandwash Reservoir dam rehabilitation project is receiving $250,000 toward design and permitting; the Plunkett Dam spillway in Hinsdale is getting $82,500 for design and permitting.
The Sandwash Reservoir is owned by the city of Pittsfield but located in the town of Washington. It flows into the Farnham Reservoir and from there into the Ashley intake to the Ashley Water Treatment Plant. While considered low risk as of 2019, a breach of the dam would send up to 260 million gallons of water into both Washington and Lee.
More than $56 million in grants for repairs and permitting for dams and coastal infrastructure was announced on Monday by the Healey-Driscoll administration. The funding through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs will allow communities and nonprofit organizations to repair critical infrastructure or remove obsolete structures.
The grants will support 17 design and permitting projects and four construction projects. With these new grants, the Dam and Seawall Program has now provided $120 million in grants and loans to address deficient dams, seawalls, and levees since the program began in 2013.
The grants come following devastating storms that flooded fields and farms in Western Massachusetts.
"Last week, I saw firsthand the catastrophic flooding impacting many people’s personal and professional lives," said Gov. Maura Healey, who visited North Adams on Wednesday. "As we continue to experience the impacts of climate change, it's critical to invest in programs like this that will enhance our safety and infrastructure. We are proud to announce these awards, which will help us build a more resilient Massachusetts."
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll was in Deerfield on Monday to speak with farmers affected by the flooding.
"Last week we saw clearly how important dam maintenance and planning is and the impact extreme weather can have in our region and throughout our state," said state Sen. Paul Mark. "The grants for Pittsfield and Hinsdale will be very helpful with preparation and mitigation as we know the next weather event is potentially just around the corner. I applaud the Healey administration for their focus and partnership as we rebuild and plan ahead and I know this funding will go a long way in our Western Mass communities."
