Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $37.7k Land Grant to Dunstable!
The entire Press Release from the Healey-Driscoll administration can be found below. As part of the $13m that has been awarded for Park and Open Space Projects in the State of Massachusetts, Dunstable is proud to announce that the town received a grant for $37,793. This grant will allow for the protection of a 4.75-acre parcel on Mill Street, providing access to Swallow Mill Pond that is easily accessed from the road, and opportunities for ice skating and fishing. Blandings and other species of turtle have been sighted on this property, and the protection of this property helps ensure water and habitat value for this mill pond that feeds Salmon Brook and Town well-field. Congratulations to the Dunstable Conservation Commission for their work to secure this grant!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 14, 2023
CONTACT
Danielle Burney
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $13 Million for Park and Open Space Projects
Funds will Protect 222 Acres in Environmental Justice Communities
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $13 million for park improvements and open space acquisitions across Massachusetts. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) is awarding Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), and Conservation Partnership grants that will support 40 communities. The three programs will help municipalities and land trusts protect land for future generations by conserving 222 acres of land and improving 18 parks in environmental justice communities.
“Actively investing in open space projects will make our parks more resilient and adaptable to climate change while providing quality and accessible open spaces in environmental justice communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are dedicated to supporting green infrastructure investments in partnership with municipalities and land trusts. These funds will provide beautiful open spaces for residents to enjoy and recreate across Massachusetts.”
“Accessibility to the state’s natural resources is critical to the health and well-being of all our residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our collaboration through the PARC, LAND, and Conservation Partnership Grant Programs with communities and land trusts provides families with open spaces to enjoy the outdoors together.”
The PARC Grant Program was established in 1977 to assist cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation. Meanwhile, the LAND Grant Program was established in 1961 to assist municipal conservation commissions in acquiring land for natural resource protection and passive outdoor recreation. Lastly, the Conservation Partnership Grants provide funding to assist non-public, not-for-profit organizations in acquiring interests in lands suitable for conservation or recreation.
“Every community deserves access to safe and beautiful green spaces, especially environmental justice communities,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These spaces also need to be resilient as weather becomes more extreme. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to investing in outdoor recreational spaces and parks that are well equipped to handle extreme weather events across Massachusetts.”
There are two categories of PARC grants: the Small-Town grant category for towns with less than 35,000 residents, with a maximum grant award of $100,000, and a separate category for cities and towns with more than 35,000 residents, which has a $500,000 grant award maximum.
“We are thrilled the City of Lynn is one of the recipients for this conservation funding and we greatly appreciate the Healey-Driscoll administration’s continued support,” said State Senator Brendan Crighton. “Lynn Common is not only an important part of our City’s history, it is a place where families enjoy recreation year round. It will be wonderful to have the Lynn Common Historic Fountain restored to its former glory for all to enjoy.”
"I am thrilled that the Crystal Street Conservation Project will be the recipient of this grant. Expanding public access to conservation areas is a big priority,” said State Representative Andy Vargas. “This funding will allow for the conservation of waterfront on Crystal Lake while extending the trail to allow greater public access to the area. I am grateful to the EEA for the opportunity to expand green spaces in Haverhill, and look forward to seeing our community enjoy this space for years to come." For a full list of all communities receiving funding, click here.