The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the office of Gov. Charlie Baker have announced that nearly $400,000 in grants have been awarded to 15 communities to help plan for infrastructure improvements to local drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems.

This new grant program, implemented by MassDEP, will fund planning and technical assistance grants to assist public entities in developing water system asset management plans, comprehensive wastewater management plans and green infrastructure plans, along with other technical assistance projects.  

"Economic development often relies on viable community infrastructure systems, such as water operations," said Governor Charlie Baker in a press release. "This grant program will assist communities in addressing those needs and help move local projects forward."

"Properly operating community water systems are vital to the protection of our environment and the public health," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. "These grants will allow communities across the Commonwealth to assess the state of their current infrastructure and develop a plan to upgrade these critical water systems."

MassDEP will award up to $30,000 for drinking water, wastewater or stormwater planning projects that allow a public utility system to outline long-term capital investments for existing infrastructure and plan for the installation of green infrastructure, such as energy-efficient equipment, solar panels and wind turbines.
    
"Every day, residents rely on drinking water and wastewater systems in order to maintain their quality of life," said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. "Asset management plans funded here will help local officials identify critical water system components that need to be replaced before a catastrophic failure occurs."   

The preparation of these asset management plans will help the grant recipients to meet state and federal Clean Water Act requirements, as well as to enhance aging public utility systems. Once completed, the asset management plans will help communities target future funding needs under the clean water and drinking water programs within the State Revolving Loan Fund.

The following communities have been selected for funding:

• Avon: Stormwater system planning - $10,000
• Ayer: Wastewater asset management plan - $30,000
• Belmont: Sewer system asset management plan - $26,100
• Canton: Drinking water system asset management plan - $22,500
• Eastham: Comprehensive wastewater planning for water quality - $30,000
• Fall River: Drinking water, stormwater and wastewater asset management plan - $30,000
• Grafton: Wastewater asset management plan - $30,000
• Lunenburg: Sewer system asset management plan - $30,000
• Medway: Stormwater system plan - $30,000
• Monson: Drinking water system asset management plan - $25,200
• Newburyport: Wastewater technical assistance - $29,850
• Shelburne Falls Fire District: Drinking water asset management plan - $30,000
• Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District (Worcester, Auburn, Holden, Rutland, Millbury, West Boylston and Cherry Valley Sewer District): Asset management planning for wastewater facility - $30,000
• Uxbridge: Wastewater asset management plan - $16,204
• Westford: Stormwater asset management plan - $30,000

Source: MassDEP