Protect Communities from Flooding & Preserve River Health (PRESS RELEASE)
MAY 17TH, 2023: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON–Climate change isn’t coming––it’s here. Between 1958 and 2010, precipitation during heavy rain events increased by 55% in the northeastern United States. As the climate continues to change, Massachusetts will continue to experience increased precipitation and more frequent, severe storms. Just a few more inches of rainfall increases the Charles River’s volume by millions of gallons during a storm. In the highly urbanized Charles River watershed, home to over a million people, this puts homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure at risk of catastrophic flood damage and harms river health.
In 2022, analysis using the Charles River Flood Model concluded that by 2070, a 100-year storm, or one with a 1% chance of occurring each year, would cause a 61% increase in runoff and 11+ inches of precipitation compared to today’s levels. This would cause an additional 2600+ acres that don’t currently flood to experience severe flooding, impacting 75+ critical facilities like hospitals, schools, and highways.
We have yet to see investment at the scale necessary to protect our communities––we need both traditional flood interventions like storm gates and nature-based solutions like rain gardens or increasing flood storage in ponds to prepare for what is coming. Severe, repetitive flooding necessitates urgent action from state and local leaders to protect individuals, families, small businesses, neighborhoods, and first responders from the devastating impacts of flood damage and to protect river health.
The Flood Risk Protection Program Study Commission Bill (H.876, S.557), sponsored by Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown) and Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton), would create a commission to study and implement a program to support the acquisition and restoration of flood-prone areas in the Commonwealth. If created, this vital program would empower property owners and renters to move out of harm’s way, create new outdoor recreation opportunities, restore wildlife habitat, and increase statewide climate resiliency, and An Act establishing a Massachusetts Flood Risk Protection Program (S.559), sponsored by Senator Marc Pacheco, charts a path forward for implementing such a program.
Charles River Watershed Association will join with partner advocates to urge the Joint Committee of Environment and Natural Resources to support and move these important bills forward on Wednesday, May 16th at 12:30 PM at the Massachusetts State House.
“With climate change, flooding is inevitable. Programs similar to the one contemplated in this bill have been extremely effective and well-received in other states,” says Policy Advocate Zeus Smith. “Our Commonwealth must move towards implementing our own program to help people move out of the way of disastrous floods, restore the floodplain, and let these natural areas absorb flooding."
Charles River Watershed Association’s mission is to protect, restore and enhance the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and the law. CRWA develops science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.
CONTACT:
Julia Hopkins
Communications & Outreach Manager
Charles River Watershed Association
(617) 540-5650 x1071
