State grant propels climate change project into ‘phase two’

A project to find “nature-based” solutions to climate change across Dartmouth just got an infusion of state funds that will allow it to expand a review of “at-risk” town sites to North Dartmouth and continue to evaluate nature-based climate change solutions. 

The State’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program awarded Dartmouth with $113,100 in late August on top of an $84,375 grant that was already awarded to the town. 

“This is a great opportunity for the town to explore ways to better protect its most vulnerable infrastructure,” said Co-Interim Town Administrator Chris Vitale. “We had tremendous success working with CEI, Round the Bend Farm and the Lloyd Center on phase one, and I expect the same achievement in phase two.”

In phase one of its project, Dartmouth partnered with Comprehensive Environmental Inc. to complete an inspection of 30 at-risk town sites in South Dartmouth and to complete preliminary design plans for two of those locations.

Vulnerable locations previously cited include possible storm wall replacement at Round Hill Beach; creating a gravel filter strip, berm or similar flood protection at the Clarence Street pumping station; developing drainage systems, filter strips or rain gardens to ease ponding in the parking area of the Council on Aging on Rogers Street; and making improvements to a seawall area on a portion of Potomska Road adjacent to Little River.

The Lloyd Center for the Environment was tasked with creating educational curricula to inform and engage the community; and Round the Bend Farm, A Center for Restorative Community, disseminated project and educational information, in addition to its current efforts to engage in climate change resiliency.

To learn more about the project, visit engagedartmouth.org/mvp program.