Charles River Watershed Gets $330K For Flood Mitigation

NATICK, MA — A project that implements flood mitigation planning for 21 communities along the Charles River was awarded over $330,000 in grants during a recent founding round.

The Charles River Climate Compact, a regional municipal partnership led by Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), was awarded the grant to continue its work planning for future climate conditions, officials said.

The Charles River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan Implementation project is funded by the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, which provides grants dedicated to advancing climate resilience across Massachusetts.

The Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) was founded by CRWA in 2019 with the goal of "helping the 35 cities and towns within the Charles River watershed work collectively to protect their communities from the impacts of climate change including flooding, heat and drought," officials said.

The project involves 21 communities including Arlington, Boston, Cambridge, Dedham, Dover, Franklin, Lincoln, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Sherborn, Somerville, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley and Weston.

“We have seen the devastation caused by extreme weather and heard the calls for help. Today, we are continuing our promise to help communities in addressing last year's challenges and taking proactive steps to reduce future climate risks,” said Gov. Maura Healey.

“These grants are more than just financial support – they are a strong statement of our commitment to resilience. Our goal is to empower every community to adapt, thrive, and lead in the face of climate challenges,” she continued.

This funding will enable communities to advance flood mitigation projects around the watershed that have already been developed, and work to identify new opportunities, officials said.

"Our partnership focuses primarily on reducing flooding using nature-based solutions," said Julie Wood, Climate Resilience Director with CRWA. "These engineered systems replicate the resilience and flexibility of natural, undisturbed environments. They help store and hold flood waters in constructed wetlands and cool our communities with the addition of tree cover and green space. They are an immediate asset to the community while helping us prepare for what is coming over the next five decades."

Natick will once again serve as the project’s fiscal sponsor.

“We are so grateful to the state for providing this funding that allows us to continue this important work” said Natick Environmental Planner and Conservation Agent Claire Rundelli. “Climate change is not a problem we can solve on our own, a project like this that brings us together with our neighbors is a great opportunity and we are happy to support the work as the project lead.”

Natick also received $266,000 to advance a flood reduction project at Natick High School.

In total, Charles River communities received over $3.7 million for climate resilience. Other projects include equity-based community greening in Watertown and Community-Based Flood Resilience and Green Infrastructure Planning in Boston.