Worcester County Towns Get $500K To Prepare For Extreme Weather

WORCESTER COUNTY, MA — Five towns in Worcester County were among dozens recieved money from the state to prepare for extreme weather.

Grafton, Mendon, Millbury, Shrewsbury and Westborough got $500,000 each, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced Wednesday. The funding is part of a $3 million grant program meant to help communities take concrete steps to prepare for climate change.

A total of 21 communities, and three regional groups representing 11 more municipalities, throughout the state recieved funding. The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 grants support communities in updating local climate resilience plans and taking action.

“Our cities and towns are dealing with climate change head-on – flooded streets that cut off neighborhoods, beaches disappearing to rising tides, and scorching days that put our students and seniors at risk,” said Energy & Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper.

Funding will go toward on-the-ground projects that protect neighborhoods from flash floods, ensure safety during heatwaves, and maintain reliable water supplies during drought.

Cities and towns will also receive training on best practices in climate resilience and equity, the state said. Each selected municipality will also get $50,000 in funding meant for projects that enhance their community's resilience to climate impacts.

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