SOUTHWICK – A group of nearly 15 individuals, consisting of town employees, board members, and local representatives, met last week to discuss the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program. During the meeting several issues were identified that they want to bring forth to the Select Board. Additionally, DPW Director Randy Brown said he would also be looking for input from the community.
“It was an interesting conversation, I think we identified a couple of priorities in which we are interested in seeking funding for,” said Brown.
According to Brown, improving infrastructure and water quality in all ponds on Congamond Lake are the two major issues that individuals at the meeting wanted to address to the Select Board.
Southwick DPW Director Randy Brown. (Photo courtesy of Greg Fitzpatrick)
“Those are the areas that we had the most support for,” said Brown.
A state-run program through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the M.V.P. program addresses issues or hazards in a community that have developed due to climate change. The program also allows municipalities to apply for grant funding by being a part of the program and coming up with plans and actions that revolve around climate change.
In early June, Brown was informed that the town had been approved for a $15,000 grant via the M.V.P. program. The grant allowed the town to hire Fuss & O’Neill of West Springfield as a consultant to assist DPW Director Brown through the process of becoming an M.V.P. community.
In early September, a core team was assembled to strategize on the best ways to take advantage of the MVP program. The team consists of members from different town departments including: Russ Anderson (Fire Chief), Robert Landis (Police Lieutenant), Art Lawler (Building Inspector), Charlie Dunlap (Director of Emergency Management Services) and Randy Brown (DPW Director).
Southwick only has until June of 2019 to become an M.V.P. community and once that’s accomplished the town will have the opportunity to apply for more grants in the future.
Brown announced in May that the town was in the process of joining the M.V.P. program and applying for the grant.
More information on the M.V.P. program can be found by visiting the M.V.P. page at www.mass.gov.
