SOUTHWICK – The Southwick DPW is in the process of joining a state-run program that could benefit infrastructure in town. Run by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Municipality Vulnerability Preparedness Program addresses issues or hazards in a community that have developed due to climate change.
Southwick DPW Director Randy Brown. (Photo courtesy of Greg Fitzpatrick)
There are many steps in the process that interested communities must endure, but in the end grant opportunities become available. According to DPW Director Randy Brown, he’s making a request for a grant that will pay for the resources to allow Southwick to become an MVP (Municipality Vulnerability Program) community. If the grant request is approved, the value will range between $15,000 to $20,000.
“If there’s grant money available that’ll help out our infrastructure, we’re obviously doing our duty by looking at these opportunities,” said Brown.
Brown also added that he already has some projects in town that he could use with the grant. Some of the issues could include looking at drainage, culverts that are undersized, and areas of flooding. The grant would also pay for the cost to bring in an MVP certified trainer that will be designated to help various departments in Southwick work on the process.
For more information, visit the MVP page at www.mass.gov.
