Andover Awarded Flood Resilience Grant

ANDOVER, MA — The town has received an $81,900 grant via a state program to support flood resilience. The grant, awarded via the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, will help to advance the design of a flood resilience project at the Lower Shawsheen Soccer Field.

The funds will also go toward evaluation and possible acquisition of properties along the Shawsheen for future floodplain reconnection or restoration projects, according to a statement from the town.

The program was started to support communities in preparing for the impact of climate change and reducing the damage from extreme weather events.

This is the third year in a row the town has received funds via this state program. In 2021, Andover received $131,700, and last year the town was awarded $271,705.

“The intense rainfall experienced in Andover and across the region in recent weeks underscores the increasing vulnerability that our communities face as a result of climate change, particularly in the form of flooding,” Director of Sustainability Joyce-Losick Yang said in a statement. “This year’s MVP Action Grant award will empower Andover to take another significant stride in our ongoing commitment to mitigating climate risks by advancing flood resilience design at Lower Shawsheen Field and exploring potential acquisition of properties along the Shawsheen for future floodplain restoration.”