Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 22, 2023 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $28 Million to Redesign Amelia Earhart Dam and Renovate Draw Seven Park, Improving Climate Resiliency Investment of ARPA Funding Will Be Used to Address Risks to Surrounding Environmental Justice Communities Posed by Rising Sea Levels S OMERVILLE — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced an investment of $28 million in funding to improve climate resiliency and provide significant flood protection for the environmental justice commuGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! 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The projects, which are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), include $13 million to redesign the elevation of the dam and $15 million for the renovation of Draw Seven Park including construction of a flood control berm to prevent coastal flooding. Undersecretary for Environment Stephanie Cooper and DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo joined the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyWRA) and local legislators in Somerville on Tuesday to make the announcement. Tuesday’s announcement is the culmination of collaborative efforts by DCR, MyWRA, community members and officials from Somerville, Cambridge and Everett to identify vulnerabilities in the area and ways to advance climate resiliency. “The impacts of climate change are very much upon us,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It’s a priority of our administration to invest in our vital infrastructure so that our residents are protected as sea levels rise Our 51st Anniversary Chris - 2023 Undersecretary for Environment Stephanie Cooper and DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo, shown at the podium, joined the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyWRA) and local legislators in Somerville on Tuesday to make the announcement.(Courtesy photo) and extreme weather increases. Every dollar we spend on resilience today is an investment in our future.” “Draw Seven Park represents an important avenue for urban residents to enjoy our waterfront,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These investments also give us an opportunity to rethink the surrounding area while promoting resilience. Communities across Massachusetts are strained by the cost of aging infrastructure. Our partnerships with communities like Everett, Cambridge, and Somerville are critical to protecting our residents.” “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to ensuring that our communities are resilient and have the necessary tools to mitigate the impacts of climate change that we continue to see across Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The Draw Seven Park and Amelia Earhart Dam projects will ensure resilience in several cities and towns in the Greater Boston area by eliminating a flood pathway, ensuring we can preserve these areas for generations to come.” “Mitigating the effects of climate change is critical to building safe and healthy communities and preserving our natural and recreational resources,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “This funding will enable us to completely transform Draw Seven Park, creating new recreational opportunities and raise the Amelia Earhart Dam to protect an area that would be at significant risk of flooding due to climate change, if left untouched.” Happy Holidays! Based on a 2018 feasibility study, DCR determined that future sea level rise would inundate the AED and initiated planning efforts to eliminate flood pathways and the risk of coastal flooding in the Mystic River Watershed. The AED and Draw Seven Park projects will raise the dam and adjoining land by several feet to eliminate the Mystic River flood pathway, better protecting the surrounding areas of Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Medford, and Somerville from coastal flooding. “We are absolutely thrilled to see these two projects funded,” said Julie Wormser, Senior Policy Advisor with the Mystic River Watershed Association.“Concerns about the role of the dam and Draw 7 Park in protecting upstream communities from flooding was one of the major reasons the 20-community Resilient Mystic Collaborative came together in 2018.” “People across our state face an increased risk of flooding due to the climate crisis, especially people of color and individuals with low income, and projects like these are exactly what we need to be doing to protect our residents,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico. “This investment is critical for the well-being of our coastal communities, and it benefits our environment, workforce, businesses, and residents. I want to thank the HealeyDriscoll Administration, city officials, and the Mystic River Watershed Association for prioritizing these resilience projects that will safeguard environmental justice communities from flooding.” “This is a great day for Draw 7 Park, The Amelia Earhart Dam and the cities and towns within the Mystic River Watershed,” said Representative Dan Ryan. “These federal funds will go DAM | SEE PAGE 7
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