Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness MVP Planning Grant Award – Environmental Hazard Mitigation Project

On October 19, 2021, the Holland Board of Selectmen voted to accept and approve an Environmental Hazard Mitigation Project proposal that was submitted to them by the Emergency Management Director. The purpose of this proposal is to establish a multi-phase project consisting of an environmental hazard vulnerability assessment followed by implementing mitigation strategies and physical protective measures that will protect the health and safety of persons and property.

With the focal point of our town being the Hamilton Reservoir and with the vast amount of ponds, rivers, streams, trails, and other unique ecological systems within our community we must take a proactive approach in prioritizing the preservation of our environment.

In order to protect and foster the natural, scenic, and aesthetic qualities of our community it is necessary that we focus on:

• defending our forests and other ecological habitats from destruction,
• flood, erosion, and pollution control,
• enhancing water runoff control systems,
• managing the growth of invasive vegetation in our waterways, and
• preparing for the harmful impacts of climate change now and in the future.

Our overall goal is to adopt procedures that center on the protection, restoration, and management of our ecological systems to safeguard public health, provide clean air and water, increase natural hazard resilience, and sequester toxic and carbon emissions.

As part of this project, on November 5, 2021, we applied for funding through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, EEA, MVP Planning Grant, to engage with a state-certified provider that will assist us in identifying infrastructural, societal, and environmental vulnerabilities. By evaluating strengths that help make the community more resilient to climate change and natural hazards we can explore nature-based solutions to address identified vulnerabilities, develop and prioritize actions, and delineate subsequent steps for the protection of our municipality. On January 24, 2022, we were notified that we received the grant in the amount of $27,000.

After completing the planning phase we will be eligible for funding opportunities to invest in priorities that build resilience by physically implementing the priority actions that we identified.

Attachments:

• Environmental Hazard Mitigation Project Proposal
• Official MVP Grant Award Letter