Amherst Awarded Grant for Fort River Watershed Improvements

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst, in partnership with Belchertown, Hadley, Pelham, and Shutesbury, has been awarded a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant of $427,700 to improve aquatic habitat, flood resiliency, and capacity in these five towns of the Fort River watershed. The grant was part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration award of $28.7 million to help 54 Massachusetts communities with climate resilience implementation and planning through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ MVP Program.  

“We are extremely grateful to the MVP Program for funding this important collaborative project,” said Assistant Town Manager Dave Ziomek. “I want to thank staff from the five towns and our regional partner in this effort, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), for their hard work and focus to put together such a strong proposal. In addition, special thanks to the Nature Conservancy and the Fort River Watershed Association for support of this effort. This collaboration promises to produce many positive outcomes for the Fort River Watershed.” 

The Fort River Watershed Culvert Assessment and Prioritization Plan aims to improve aquatic habitat and connectivity, improve flood resilience, and build capacity and connections in the five towns of the Fort River watershed – Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Pelham, and Shutesbury.   

The primary tasks to achieve these goals are: 

1. Assess the condition and aquatic passability of road stream crossings (culverts and bridges) in the Fort River Watershed using protocols developed by the North Atlantic Aquatic Collaborative (NAACC).  
2. Use that data to develop a prioritization plan to increase aquatic connectivity and manage for extreme weather events in the towns. 
3. Communicate throughout the process and share the results with local communities. 

“The 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 climate resiliency,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “The holistic approach of this project not only addresses current environmental challenges but also positions our communities to thrive in an uncertain climatic future.” 

Properly sized and designed culverts increase the watershed’s capacity to handle extreme weather events, reducing flood risks to communities and infrastructure. The project contributes to a broader regional resilience strategy by aligning with state and national initiatives focused on climate adaptation and infrastructure renewal. This resilience is crucial as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms.  

“As the Fort River Watershed Culvert Assessment & Prioritization Plan continues, I’m delighted that Amherst, in partnership with Belchertown, Hadley, Pelham, and Shutesbury, has received a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Action Grant to strengthen flood resiliency and water quality in the Fort River watershed,” said State Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature for this critical investment in regional equity and the infrastructure that safeguards the Fort River and its tributaries.” 

In addition to the five towns, other partners include the Fort River Watershed Association (FRWA)-Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the Nature Conservancy in MA, and the University of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Conservation. These partnerships enhance resource-sharing, foster a sense of ownership and stewardship over local resources, and build community capacity to address future environmental challenges collectively. 

“I am delighted that the town of Amherst has secured a highly competitive state MVP Action Grant to continue its work to improve flood resiliency and stream health in the Fort River watershed,” said State Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst). “The MVP program is a critical component in reaching our goals of improving climate resilience across the state. I am grateful to our partners in the Healey-Driscoll administration and in the legislature for their continued support for projects such as this that seek to support communities in promoting sustainability and resilience as we face increasing challenges under climate change.” 

The Fort River helps 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.    

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.