Massachusetts communities are set to benefit from a hefty financial boost from a USDA grant. The communities will receive over $22 million from the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. This funding, sourced from a competitive grant initiative, is earmarked for tree planting and maintenance. Its primary goals are combating extreme heat, addressing climate change, and enhancing nature access nationwide. In addition, Springfield is gearing up to plant over 15,000 trees, while Lynn is launching an urban forestry fellowship.
Innovative Green Projects on the Horizon
Numerous projects are scheduled for kickoff as a part of the USDA grant funding. Particularly, Fall River plans to bolster public health for its most vulnerable by expanding its tree canopy. Meanwhile, in Boston neighborhoods like Chinatown, East Boston, and others, the focus is on enhancing social inclusivity and workforce growth through community forestry.
“We are incredibly excited to see Massachusetts cities and towns receive the funding they need to proactively expand green space in environmental justice communities across the Commonwealth,” remarked Governor Maura Healey. “We are committed to continuing to partner with these municipalities as they put their federal money to work improving public health and increasing access to opportunity for the people of Massachusetts.”
Statewide Resilience and Climate Concerns
This summer’s soaring temperatures have magnified the importance of urban greenery. “This summer’s extreme temperatures have shown that our cities and towns are on the front lines of responding to the impacts of climate change. We’re proud to see these communities leading the charge in implementing climate resilient measures that will ensure a healthier, more equitable Massachusetts,” stated Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Rebecca Tepper. She went on to congratulate the towns and cities which secured this crucial financial aid for their urban forestry endeavors.
Director of Federal Funds & Infrastructure, Quentin Palfrey, emphasized the significance of the Urban and Community Forestry program. “The funding provided through the Urban and Community Forestry program is critical for these cities and towns to address some of their most pressing needs around public health, workforce development and climate resiliency through increasing access to green space. The Commonwealth looks forward to continuing our aggressive pursuit of federal funding opportunities that will deliver for communities all across Massachusetts.” Palfrey said.
Overview of USDA Grant Awarded Projects
Several areas in Massachusetts have received these prestigious awards:
- Boston: Crafting an accessible, diverse, and durable urban forest.
- Holyoke: Implementing the Urban Forest Equity Plan.
- Fall River: Advancing the Urban Tree Canopy Expansion Initiative.
- Haverhill: Investing in an equitable, resilient urban forest.
- Lynn: Supporting a vibrant tree canopy through the Urban Forestry Fellowship.
- Quincy: Introducing the Urban Forest Climate Resiliency & Equity Plan.
- Watertown: Emphasizing tree planting.
- Springfield: Revitalizing the urban tree canopy in marginalized areas.
- Southbridge: Launching an Urban and Community Forestry Program.
Notably, the nine grants awarded to Massachusetts are part of a colossal $1 billion funding the USDA bestowed upon 385 applicants across the country. This funding initiative stems from the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden signed in 2022. It’s just one of many strategies designed to foster state-wide decarbonization and resilience against climate change.
Xylo News 