Andover receives funds for flood control

  • 2021-09-10
A grant from the state of $131,700 has been given to Andover to increase flooding and climate resistance.

The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant will be used by the town to assess properties on the Shawsheen River, which is the most flood-prone river in the town, for potential flooding relief. Parcels will be identified and prioritized for acquisition in the future.

Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, said that the record heat and the great amount of precipitation this summer may be an indication of the future for Andover and the Merrimack Valley. The MVP project will be led by Joyce Losick-Yang, the Sustainability Coordinator for the town, and Robert Douglas, Director of Conservation.

Losick-Yang said that restoration efforts, such as flood storage, reforestation, wetland restoration, and reformation of stream meanders will be used for the parcels identified in the project. Losick-Yang added that this will require slowing the runoff of stormwater and reducing peak flows, and is the first step in stopping the potential flood damage from the Shawsheen River. Douglas commented that this project will also help to restore access to the river, fits well with plans to connect trails along the river, and will help to bring back habitats for aquatic wildlife.

There will be a kickoff meeting for this project at the Memorial Hall Library on Tuesday, September 21. Announcements of such projects and related meetings are often made known throughout a community with flyer printing.