Amherst Awarded $1.2 Million Action Grant for Fort River Watershed

The Town of Amherst has been awarded a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant of $1,179,700 to improve flood resiliency and water quality in the Fort River watershed. The grant was part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration award of $52.8 million to more than 70 projects across Massachusetts for climate resilience implementation and planning through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program. This grant implements the second phase of a project that began when Amherst was awarded a $169,250 MVP Action Grant in 2023. 

“The MVP Action Grant is a wonderful program that allows communities to make meaningful improvements to enhance resilience,” said Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Amy Rusiecki. “We are pleased to have state support to fund work on replacing culverts, which will improve the overall health of the Fort River. We worked hard to have a successful Phase 1 of this project, funded through the FY24 MVP Grant Program, and are proud that the state has decided to support this next phase.” 

The Fort River project will upgrade infrastructure to improve the resiliency of the Fort River watershed in response to climate change. In 2023, the Town received an MVP Action Grant to support designing and permitting the replacement of three undersized, damaged culverts. Funding from this 2024 MVP Action Grant will be used to support the final design and construction cost to replace two of these culverts for stream crossing improvements.   

“Fort River runs through central and south Amherst and is the longest free-flowing tributary of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. It is critical that we recognize the important role it plays in flood resiliency,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “This project will improve flood resiliency, and overall stream health including natural flow, water quality, and wildlife passage and habitat in three tributaries to the Fort River.” 

The overall goals of the project are to improve the resiliency of Town infrastructure as we see changes in precipitation and river flow patterns due to climate change, improve aquatic and terrestrial wildlife passage, and improve the water quality and overall health of the Fort River for the public to enjoy into the future as our climate changes. 

Full construction must be completed by June 30, 2026.     

“I am thrilled that the Town of Amherst has been awarded a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant to improve flood resiliency and water quality in the Fort River watershed,” said State Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for granting this funding to make necessary upgrades to the infrastructure protecting the Fort River and its tributaries.” 

The Fort River and its tributaries help define South Amherst with rich farmland, extensive wetlands, and excellent wildlife habitat. This system is considered one of the most important watersheds state-wide for the diversity of freshwater mussels and includes one Federally endangered species. Its watershed contains all the reservoirs for the town of Amherst, and the origin of the river itself is the Intake Reservoir in Pelham.    

“I am delighted that the town of Amherst has secured a highly competitive state Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant for nearly 1.2 million to continue its work to improve flood resiliency and water quality in the Fort River watershed,” said State Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst). “The MVP program is an essential source of support for communities across the commonwealth to address vulnerability and sustainability in the face of a changing climate. I’m gratified that the Amherst application received favorable action so that it can conclude the work it began with earlier MVP support.” 

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program supports cities and towns in Massachusetts in planning for climate change resiliency and implementing priority projects. The State awards grants to complete vulnerability assessments and develop action-oriented resiliency plans. Communities who complete the MVP program become certified as an MVP community and are eligible for MVP Action Grant funding and other opportunities. Learn more about the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program.