Buckland has been awarded $100,000 through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 grant program. This funding builds on efforts that started in 2018 to enhance climate resilience, particularly focusing on the Clesson Brook Watershed.
Out of 21 municipalities selected for funding, Buckland was the only town in Franklin County to receive support. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced over $3 million in grants aimed at tackling climate change challenges affecting local communities.
Rebecca Tepper, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, emphasized the importance of this program. She highlighted how towns are facing real issues like flooded streets and rising tides. “The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program is vital for creating stronger infrastructure and engaging communities in safer future planning,” she stated.
According to the Healey-Driscoll administration, nearly all municipalities in Massachusetts—about 99%—are part of this state grant program. The MVP 2.0 grants help towns update their climate resilience plans and prioritize residents at higher risk. Buckland Town Administrator Pam Guyette mentioned the grant will continue efforts related to the Clesson Brook Watershed. This initiative was prompted by severe flooding during events like Hurricane Irene.
Since 2018, Buckland has worked on a restoration plan for the brook. The new grant will allow them to revisit earlier studies and decide their next steps. “I’ll be busy,” Guyette remarked, indicating that the upcoming months will involve assessing the town’s resilience priorities, followed by a 13-month phase to implement a specific project.
Though the exact project is not yet determined, previous towns have used similar funds for community gardens and leadership programs. In addition to MVP Planning 2.0 work, Buckland is also planning to apply for an MVP Action Grant. Unlike the planning grants, these support actual project implementations, like erosion control along brook banks.
The Selectboard has already approved a letter of support for the Action Grant application, which Guyette believes is crucial for preventing significant future issues. “We’re gathering more support to highlight this project’s importance,” she said.
This focus on resilience is timely. Recent studies suggest that the extreme weather events we now face are becoming more common. A 2021 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that heavy rainfall events have increased by about 30% over the past several decades. This trend makes projects like Buckland’s crucial for safeguarding communities.
As the conversation around climate change continues, towns like Buckland illustrate how local action can create meaningful change and prepare for an uncertain future. Sustainable practices, like those being planned for the Clesson Brook watershed, will not only help mitigate the impact of flooding but also foster community involvement in the face of climate challenges. More information on the MVP program can be found [here](https://www.mass.gov/guides/municipal-vulnerability-preparedness-mvp-program).
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