The Healey-Driscoll Administration has recently announced over $13.9 million in grants to support the repair of dams and coastal infrastructure across Massachusetts. The funding, provided through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Dam and Seawall program, will help 23 municipalities and nonprofit organizations – including Connecticut River Conservancy – to address critical repairs and safely remove outdated structures in their communities.
Connecticut River Conservancy is working with the private dam owners, The Nature Conservancy, and other partners to conduct preliminary studies to explore removal of the D.F. Riley Grist Mill dam in Hatfield, MA with funding awarded from the Dam and Seawall grant program.
Like many old mill dams, the D.F. Riley Grist Mill dam no longer serves the purpose for which it was intended. The condition of the dam has deteriorated over time, and it blocks fish from accessing valuable upstream habitat. It is the only standing dam on the mainstem Mill River. Its removal will benefit migratory species such as American shad, sea lamprey, and many others, and improve the overall ecological health of the river system as well as its resilience to climate change. Removal would also eliminate a safety hazard for the community and the maintenance and liability burden for the dam owners.
The current structure was built in 1881 although there has been a dam at this site since 1661. Initially it served as a grist mill/sawmill and later powered the manufacturing of various other products.
An engineering firm will be selected and begin data collection and assessments in early 2025.
The Dam and Seawall Program
The Dam and Seawall program focuses on enhancing the safety and functionality of essential infrastructure, which protects residents and supports local economies. Prioritizing repairs and removals will help mitigate risks associated with severe weather events and rising sea levels.
The investment demonstrates the administration's dedication to helping communities adapt to climate change. By restoring and removing aging infrastructure, public safety will improve, and local ecosystems will be protected. This will also increase resilience in coastal areas. The grants will fund fourteen design and permitting projects and nine construction projects to advance designs and permits as well as to construct the projects. Since the program began in 2013, the Dam and Seawall Program has provided $134 million in grants and loans to address deficient dams, seawalls, and levees with these new grants. More details available here.
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