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Salem Receives Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant

$130,000 in state funds awarded for Winter Island stormwater control project
Posted on: July 18, 2018 - 8:44am
WI

The City of Salem was one of six communities in the Commonwealth to receive a Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) in the most recent round of funding. CPR grants support local efforts to address polluted stormwater runoff to protect coastal water quality and habitat.

Salem was awarded the largest of the six grants, receiving $128,650 to work in a partnership with Salem Sound Coastwatch to construct three systems to capture and treat stormwater runoff at Winter Island Park, especially from the large parking lot area, reducing sediment, bacteria, and other contaminants flowing into the harbor.

“The funding provided through the Coastal Pollutant Remediation grant program helps give municipalities the resources they need to take practical, proactive steps to improve coastal water quality,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Through these projects, we are working with coastal communities to ensure cleaner coastal habitats throughout the Commonwealth.”

"I am very pleased that the Baker Administration and CZM has awarded this project funding," said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. "This work is an important piece to our long-term goal of improving the water quality in Salem Harbor, reducing stormwater runoff, limiting coastal erosion, and ensuring the vibrancy and ecological health of this amazing park, beach, and waterfront for generations to come. My thanks also go out to the team at Salem Sound Coastwatch for being such a key partner in securing this grant and carrying out this critical project."

Once the grant agreement and construction documents are finalized, the project will be bid for work to commence. Construction is not anticipated to impact the summer season at Winter Island and will most likely take place after Labor Day. Some modifications to the layout of winter boat storage in the parking lot may be necessary in order to facilitate the work.