U.S Rep Seth Moulton, D-Salem, on Wednesday, August 3 visited the Maillet, Sommes & Morgan Conservation Land to highlight a special stormwater project that is slated for $1.5M in federal funding. The State Delegation of Senator Jason Lewis and Representatives Bradley Jones and Rich Haggerty were also in attendance.
Funded by an FY21 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant and in coordination with the Resilient Mystic Collaborative and Mystic River Watershed Association, the Town of Reading is nearing completion of a final conceptual design for an existing conservation area to capture and attenuate stormwater impacting the Aberjona River by creating adjacent offline storage areas. The constructed stormwater wetlands, if funded, reduce flooding, enhance open space, expand the existing path and trail system, and improve wildlife habitat. The project will also provide an opportunity to increase stormwater quality by filtering sediments and pollutants through the treatment train and series of wetlands and marshes.
Representative Moulton announced last week that this project, along with thirteen other projects totaling over $16M from the Sixth District, is included in the FY2023 Appropriation Subcommittee bills.
“I was pleased to see so many high-impact projects across my district selected for funding this year, including Reading’s Maillet, Sommes, & Morgan stormwater system. This is a critical initiative that will make the community more sustainable and resilient” Congressman Moulton said. “I’m thrilled that this project and many others I submitted have cleared the first hurdle in securing funding through the appropriations process. I hope that my colleagues in Congress can work together to pass the FY 2023 appropriations bills in a timely manner so that our communities can receive these critical investments.”
This location was determined to be one of the top three sites within the entire Mystic River Watershed to create a constructed stormwater wetland to alleviate local and regional flooding, impacting more than 250,000 people.
“We are excited about this funding opportunity enabled by Rep. Moulton could bring to this region. Reducing flooding for thousands will improve public safety and reduce property loss, as well as enhance our trails and protect our natural resources,” said Fidel Maltez, Reading Town Manager.
