Easthampton lands $2 million climate resiliency grant

Daily Hampshire Gazette: Easthampton has been awarded a $2 million grant that will allow for significant improvements to Cherry Street, as part of a climate change resiliency grant program that Gov. Charlie Baker highlighted in a visit to the city Tuesday.

The Municipal Vulnerability and Preparedness Action Grant will go toward green infrastructure, centered on replacing the deteriorating outfall off Cherry Street. This will include restoring the streambank and stabilizing the Cherry Street outfall, reconstructing the Cherry Street Roadway, and building new sidewalks.

“It will both make the city more resilient to increased precipitation due to climate change and also increase safety and accessibility to resources,” Baker said.

The Municipal Vulnerability and Preparedness program provides funding for communities to plan for climate change resiliency and implement projects. The program started in 2017 and 93% of communities in the state currently participate in the program.

Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said the city has a long history of obtaining grants to benefit its residents, while members of the area’s legislative delegation also spoke at Tuesday’s event, including state Rep. Daniel Carey, D-Easthampton, and state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, who represents Easthampton.