Wareham awarded $150,000 from state to mitigate flooding

Aug 25, 2016

The Baker-Polito Administration announced that Wareham will receive $150,000 from the state to reduce the impacts from coastal storms and climate change, including storm surge, flooding, erosion and sea level rise.

The money is part of an $1.8 million grant divided among 18 other communities.

“Massachusetts is taking a leading role in understanding and preparing for climate change impacts like sea level rise and coastal flooding,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “These coastal resilience grants are an excellent example of these efforts, providing direct funding and technical assistance to help our coastal communities address these issues in a pragmatic and proactive way.”

In Wareham, the money will be used to develop permit-level designs for retrofit measures at three critical pump stations. Those plans will keep the pumps operating during future storms, while minimize public health and environmental risks.

“Our coastal communities are on the front lines for coastal flooding and storm damage impacts,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “These grants recognize the local commitment to addressing the problem and adapting to changing conditions, while providing the necessary funding and support to achieve real results.”

Funding was provided by the Office of Coastal Zone Management through its Coastal Resilience Grant Program.

That program gives financial and technical support for innovative efforts to increase awareness and understanding of climate impacts, plan for changing conditions and redesign vulnerable infrastructure.

Grants can be used for planning, public outreach and feasibility assessment and analysis of shoreline, as well as for design, permitting, construction and monitoring of storm damage protection projects.