by Leah Robins
1/15/2014

Holliston Awarded State Funds for Dam Repair

Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rick Sullivan yesterday announced $73,500 in investments for the repair of three Holliston town dams as part of a larger package of dam, seawall and breakwater projects across the Commonwealth. These funds will remove ecologically hazardous dams, repair dams in poor or unsafe condition and improve Massachusetts’ coastal infrastructure.

“Aging infrastructure is a reality that citizens across the Commonwealth deal with every day,” said Secretary Sullivan. “The Patrick Administration has made these critical investments to address the public safety concerns and risks from declining dams, seawalls and breakwaters, especially when planning for the next Superstorm Sandy or Winter Storm Nemo.”;

The grant will aid Holliston’s efforts to design the repairs of three town-owned dams to ensure compliance with safety requirements. These historic dams protect areas of homes, small business and industrial development. The structures include the Houghton Pond Dam, the Lake Winthrop Dam and the Factory Pond Dam.

“Holliston is very appreciative of all the efforts of Sen. Spilka and Rep. Dykema and our local officials in helping to secure these critical funds which will help us maintain our historic and important infrastructure,” said Holliston Board of Selectmen Chair Jay Leary.

“These funds are a great opportunity for Holliston to make critical infrastructure repairs that enhance the safety of our residents and protect our local businesses.  I’m grateful for the partnership of Governor Patrick and the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for recognizing the vital role of this infrastructure in our communities and for the efforts of Holliston’s town officials in applying for one of these inaugural grants,” said Representative Carolyn Dykema.

        (Holliston's Dam Inspector, Karen Fung, checks the dam at Linden Pond)

“Repairing these dams is a very important public safety and ecological issue in our community,” said Senator Karen Spilka. “Thanks to this grant, the town will be able to restore these historic dams and ensure that surrounding homes and businesses are protected in case of a natural disaster.”;

The funding for these investments includes $7.6 million in grants from the EEA Environmental Bond and $5.9 million in grants and low interest loans from the Dam and Seawall Repair and Removal Fund.  The Dam and Seawall Repair and Removal Fund was created by the legislature in 2013 to address public safety issues caused by aging infrastructure. This is the first round of awards from the fund. State funds were matched with more than $5.9 million in local and federal investments.