Tewksbury to Receive $1.1 Million in Federal and State Funding

TEWKSBURY, MA - Tewksbury is set to receive more than $1 million in federal and state relief following years of extreme weather, including several harsh winters with record-setting snowfall.

State Representative James Miceli made the announcement Tuesday.

Tewksbury will receive more than $1.1 million in federal and state relief. The funds, granted by Federal Emergency Management Association, are dispersed by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Association and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation to towns and cities across the state which were seriously impacted by natural events. The funds can be awarded for a number of projects, including landscaping to mitigate roll-off, roadway improvements, bridge restructuring, and infrastructure resiliency measures.

The total amount, finalizing at $1,173,188, stems from four grants awarded during three different weather incidents deemed an emergency by the White House and FEMA.

Stemming from damages occurring during Tropic Storm Irene $387,413 was granted for work to the Tewksbury Pumping Station Generators, ensuring consistent power flow in case of emergency black outs and safeguarding against sewage malfunctions. A combined $509,250 was awarded from two separate grants reacting to the January 2011 Winter snowfall. These grants seek to improve flood proofing measures along Trull Brook Rd and at the Shawsheen Street Heath Brook crossing in reaction to unanticipated flooding due to the tremendous snow fall that year, which combined came to over 40 inches total. Shawsheen Street is also set to receive modernizations at the Bridge Street intersection, a segment of road notoriously battered by floods during periods of intense weather.

“Massachusetts, and Tewksbury in particular, have endured some pretty serious weather these past years. And with Tewksbury being extra vulnerable given our large river and wetland footprints, which are prone to flooding, I am pleased to see funding being made available to help mitigate extreme weathers impact on our town,” Miceli said upon receiving the news. “I know this funding is being used to help insulate the town from many severe threats, and will keep the traffic, sewage, and power flowing no matter what nature may throw our way.”