$585K for Charles River Priorities!
We are pleased to announce numerous Charles River priorities are included in the final Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget!
Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Rodrigues, and sponsors Senator Creem, Representative Stanley, Representative Lawn, Representative Khan, and Representative Moran, for prioritizing investment in a clean, resilient Charles River for future generations.
These funds will be put straight to work advancing solutions for climate resilience and river restoration across the watershed.
$100K FOR HARDY POND RESTORATION PROJECT
Sponsored by Representative Thomas Stanley, this will fund designs for the Hardy Pond Restoration Project, a flood mitigation project in Waltham identified by the Charles River Climate Compact. This project will include modifying the pond outlet, green infrastructure, and wetland restoration.
$250K FOR RIVER RESTORATION
Sponsored by Representative John Lawn, and supported by Representative Kay Khan, Representative Steven Owens, Representative Thomas M. Stanley, Representative Mike Connolly, Representative James K. Hawkins, Representative Tommy Vitolo, and Representative Ruth B. Balser, this critical funding will support the Department of Conservation and Recreation in the study of potential flooding mitigation impacts and fish passage improvements as it relates to removal of state-owned dams from Watertown to Natick. The study will be used by Charles River Watershed Association + state partners to further the restoration of a free-flowing Charles River.
$85K FOR STREAM RESTORATION
Sponsored by Senator Cindy Creem, these funds will support vital stormwater improvements and beautification of the historic Cheesecake Brook park in Newton. Cheesecake Brook, a tributary to the Charles River, frequently floods surrounding the neighborhood and suffers from poor water quality.
$100K FOR AQUATIC INVASIVES
Sponsored by Representative Kay Khan, these funds will support continued aquatic invasive species treatment for the Charles and Mystic Rivers. Invasive aquatic species, which overtake native plant communities and impede safe recreation, are being managed in the Lakes District and Lower Basin to improve the area for paddlers and wildlife alike.
$50K FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Sponsored by Representative Mike Moran, these funds will support continued efforts to engage with Allston-Brighton residents in understanding and reviewing the climate resilience implications of planned development in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood of Boston.
