October 26, 2023

Warren, Markey, Trahan Announce $500,000 for Stormwater Management Upgrades Along Nashua River in Fitchburg

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass), along with Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-Mass), announced $500,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Program (EJCPS) to improve stormwater management along the Nashua River in Fitchburg by utilizing green infrastructure solutions. The project will be led by the Nashua River Watershed Association.

“This investment from the Inflation Reduction Act to revitalize stormwater management along the Nashua River is great news for Fitchburg,” said Senator Warren. “I’ll keep fighting to increase the availability of these grants to ensure a safe, durable, and resilient water infrastructure system for Massachusetts.”

“This critical federal funding to revitalize stormwater systems along the Nashua River will help ensure that Fitchburg and communities throughout central Massachusetts can have cleaner and safer water,” said Senator Markey. “We must continue to push for climate resilient infrastructure to protect Massachusetts and build a more livable future.”

“Just over a year after I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, this landmark law is delivering for communities across Massachusetts,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Through the leadership of the Nashua River Watershed Association and backed by the collaborative efforts of community partners throughout the North Central region, this grant funding will reduce pollution and support green workforce development in Fitchburg. I’m proud to see President Biden’s Investing in America agenda supporting community-led solutions to address the climate crisis, and I look forward to continuing to partner across state and local levels to maximize these investments for our district.”

The Nashua River Watershed Association was awarded $500,000 to respond to stormwater runoff issues along the Nashua River in Fitchburg by utilizing green infrastructure such as buffer zones, rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement. Part of the application cited recent flash floods and stormwater runoff due to the climate crisis, incidents that have significantly impacted the city and residents. The goals of the project, which will be conducted in coordination with the City of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University, and NewVue Communities, include reduced instances of stormwater runoff, fewer combined sewer overflows, and cleaner water in the Nashua River.

“At the Nashua River Watershed Association, we believe in the strength of collective action to combat climate change,” said Jen Keegan, Executive Director of the Nashua River Watershed Association. “This grant empowers us to accelerate our efforts by working with the environmental justice communities in Fitchburg to implement green solutions that help to create a more sustainable and vibrant future for Fitchburg and its residents.”

“For years, the water quality in the Nashua River suffered as a result of the City’s booming industry," said Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale. "Through the tireless efforts of the Nashua River Watershed Associations (NRWA) and the dedication of the citizens of Fitchburg, the health of the river has been restored and we are able to once again enjoy the natural beauty that the river provides. The City of Fitchburg is pleased to partner with the NRWA in support of this project, which serves as a continuation of efforts to address the negative impacts of urbanization on the river, improve the health of the waterbody, and restore the pristine natural ecosystems along its banks. Doing so will undoubtedly help the City address the issue of climate change through improved climate resiliency and enhanced quality of life for residents.”

“This project will provide a valuable opportunity for our students to work with environmental professionals to address real-world problems in their communities,” said Fitchburg State University President Richard S. Lapidus. “At the same time, students will gain relevant experience to pursue professional positions in environmental fields. We are grateful for the opportunities this partnership will create.” 

"NewVue Communities is excited to partner with the Nashua River Watershed Association on the Fitchburg Green Solutions Project to help create nature based solutions to climate change impacts in Fitchburg," said NewVue Communities Executive Director Marc Dohan. "NewVue will work with our environmental stewards and other residents to help identify the community’s climate change priorities. Residents often have unique insights into the assets and liabilities of their own communities which can be critical to help creating solutions to climate change."

The EJCPS program provides federal investments to eligible organizations with projects that are addressing environmental or public health issues in communities with environmental justice concerns. This year, 98 projects across the nation were selected and received funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, landmark legislation supported by Warren, Trahan, and Markey last year to lower costs and make necessary investments in the fight against the climate crisis.

Senator Warren is committed to fighting for environmental justice, including: 

  • SenatorWarren re-introduced the Federal Emergency Management Advancement of Equity Act (or FEMA Equity Act) to address systemic inequities in the federal government’s response to disasters and how it distributes assistance.
  • In May 2023, Senator Warren, at a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, highlighted the need for FEMA to fix inequities and injustices in disaster management programs. Senator Warren pointed out that due to historical discrimination, people of color are more likely to live in homes and communities that are less resilient to natural disasters such as floods.
  • In October 2022, Senator Warren led a letter with the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Chair Michael Lee requesting help for local organizations to find the resources they need to support newly arrived migrants in Massachusetts. 
  • In September 2022, Senator Warren joined Senator Gillibrand urging congressional leadership to provide emergency supplemental funding for disaster recovery and relief support as well as $1 billion in nutritional aid for Puerto Rico, and cosponsored the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act.
  • In September 2022, Senator Warren led a letter to President Biden asking for the federal government to cover the full cost of FEMA aid to Puerto Rico. President Biden heeded this request.
  • In September 2022, Senator Warren joined a letter with Senator Menendez to President Biden supporting issuing a Major Disaster Declaration for Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Fiona. President Biden also heeded this request.
  • In May 2022, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Thompson (D-Miss.), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, introduced the Federal Emergency Management Advancement of Equity Act (or FEMA Equity Act) to address systemic inequities in the Federal government’s response to disasters and how it distributes assistance.

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