Berkshire Communities Awarded Funds for Ecological Restoration Projects
BOSTON—The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $2.9 million in grants to support ecological restoration projects across Massachusetts.
This funding, provided by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), will strengthen resilience against extreme weather events, improve water quality, reduce flood risks, and restore crucial wildlife habitat.
"Massachusetts has over 25,000 culverts, most of which are undersized. By replacing these outdated culverts with larger, safer structures, we can better prepare our communities for severe weather," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "Investing in these projects now will save our cities and towns money on disaster recovery in the future."
DER is awarding over $2.7 million to 21 towns through its Stream Continuity Program, which includes the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grants and the Culvert Replacement Training Site Initiative.
The CRMA grants help municipalities replace outdated culverts with new, improved crossings. These upgrades restore river ecosystems, enhance fish and wildlife passage, and reduce flood risks, improving climate resilience and public safety. The Training Site Initiative will turn some of these project sites into training hubs, creating a network of locations for hands-on learning to teach local roadway managers about culvert replacements in Massachusetts.
Hinsdale was awarded $510,000 for the George Schnopp Road Culvert Replacement. The Town of Hinsdale will conduct construction activities to replace a culvert on George Schnopp Road. The crossing is located within core habitat, critical natural landscape areas, an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and a designated coldwater fishery. Replacing this structure will benefit stream and habitat connectivity as well as providing public access and safety benefits to the roadway and surrounding community.
Savoy was awarded $43,000 for the Phelps Brook Culvert Replacement. The Town of Savoy will conduct bid phase service activities toward the replacement of an undersized culvert on Old Main Road over Phelps Brook, a coldwater fisheries resource.
"I am pleased to learn that two communities in the First Berkshire District, Hinsdale and Savoy, have received vital funding through the Division of Ecological Restoration's Culvert Replacement grant program," said State Representative John Barrett (D-1st Berkshire). "These funds will enable them to undertake critical projects that address infrastructure needs and enhance environmental resilience, which they would not normally be able to address on their own. The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature have prioritized funding this important program. These investments are crucial for the long-term well-being and climate readiness of communities across Massachusetts."
Stockbridge was awarded $56,800 for the Marsh Brook Culvert Replacement. The Town of Stockbridge will conduct design/engineering and permitting work toward the replacement of a partially-crushed culvert on Rattlesnake Mountain Road over Marsh Brook, in an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and where flooding has been an issue.
Washington was awarded $70,000 for the Johnson Hill Road Culvert Replacement. The Town of Washington will conduct design/engineering work toward the replacement of a deteriorating and undersized culvert on Johnson Hill Road over a tributary to the West Branch of the Westfield River, which is important habitat for rare species.
"This funding for culvert replacements in Stockbridge and Washington is essential not only for the well-being of these communities, but for the ecological health of the Berkshires as a whole," said State Representative Leigh Davis (D-3rd Berkshire). "I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Division of Ecological Restoration for investing in projects that will strengthen environmental resilience and support the Commonwealth’s climate goals."
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