Governor Baker announces award recipient in Easthampton

WWLP: Governor Baker was in Easthampton Tuesday to announce recipients for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning and Action Grants (MVP). The MVP Grant program provides support for cities and towns to begin the process of planning for climate change resiliency and implementing priority projects.

To help fix these issues, Easthampton was given $2-million through the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program. This program helps communities prepare for the impacts of climate change and changing weather. The money will go towards improving drainage in the Cherry Street area.

“The flooding, the backup, the sewer discharge in people’s homes, is a very significant issue. Our DPW knows this are all too well,” said Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle.

A new sidewalk will be built on Cherry Street and plants will be added to help absorb rain and hopefully keep water out of basements. The money will also help preserve green spaces in Easthampton like at the Brickyard Brook Conservation Area. LaChapelle said these projects will likely get started next spring.