4 Merrimack Valley Towns Get $68K Local Land Use Planning Grant

ANDOVER, MA —Andover, Boxford, Georgetown and North Andover are receiving $68,000 in grant funding as part of a state program to support local land use funding, the state said Thursday.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced $1.45 million in grant funding for 35 projects as part of the PlanninG assistant Grant Program.

That includes $68,000 to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission for "enhanced land use regulations to mitigate climate change" the four communities.

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"The program, which is funded through spending authorized in the Environmental Bond Bill, is part of an effort to encourage municipalities to implement land use regulations that are consistent with the Baker-Polito Administration’s land conservation and development objectives," the state said. "These objectives include the reduction of land, energy, and natural resource consumption; the creation of sufficient and diverse housing, and the mitigation of and preparation for climate change. The program is also part of the technical assistance offered to communities in support of the Baker-Polito Administration’s Housing Choice Initiative."

"Working with municipalities across the Commonwealth is critical for us to achieve important objectives, such as building more housing, better protecting natural resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which will greatly improve local communities," Baker said. "These important grants will enable updated zoning and better planning, ensuring the public will receive both immediate and long-term benefits."

The grants go to municipalities and regional planning agencies like the Merrimack Valley Planning commission.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.