Salem Awarded $78k Grant for Stormwater Treatment Systems

SALEM, MA — The City of Salem has been given awarded a grant by the Office of Coastal Zone Management’s (CZM) Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program to help fund coastal water quality efforts, according to an announcement from the Baker-Polito administration.

The city was awarded $78,680 in grant funding as a part of $346,292 given by the CPR program to help improve coastal water quality. With the funding, the city and Salem Sound Coastwatch will design and permit storm water treatment systems at Winter Island Park.

“I applaud the work and partnership of the City of Salem and Salem Sound Coastwatch, and thank the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for this grant award,” said State Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem) in a statement. “Winter Island and Salem Harbor are important natural resources. This grant will expand and support city efforts to protect its waterfront to help ensure clean water, a healthy environment and active public use.”

The goal of the project is to reduce polluted stormwater runoff reaching the Sound and the Harbor.

“Salem is grateful to receive these funds to continue our commitment to keeping Winter Island a clean recreational space to be enjoyed by residents and visitors to our beautiful coastline,” said State Representative Paul Tucker (D-Salem) in a statement. “The Baker-Polito Administration recognizes Salem is committed to keeping our waterfront open and clean in collaboration with Salem Sound Coastwatch.”

According to the announcement, the goal of the CZM's program is to improve coastal water quality by reducing or eliminating nonpoint sources of pollution. Grants were also awarded to Medford, Milton, Plymouth and Yarmouth.

“Our administration is committed to supporting efforts across the Commonwealth to protect the environment and keep coastal waters clean,” said Governor Charlie Baker in a statement. “These grants provide direct funding to municipalities to work at the local level to address sources of pollution impacting waterways and ultimately the coast.”

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