The City of Everett was recently designated as an MVP Community by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for its completion of the Community Resiliency Building planning process. As an MVP Community, the City of Everett is eligible to apply for MVP Action Grants and receive increased standing in future state funding.
“As a community that is surrounded by water, we are particularly vulnerable to stronger storm surge and extreme weather patterns,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “I want to thank Secretary Theoharides and the entire Baker Administration for this designation. I also want to thank members of my administration for their hard work in planning for climate change resiliency and our state delegation for their support. Now we must begin to implement resiliency measures to ensure our businesses remain viable, and our citizens remain safe when the extreme weather comes.”
Through the MVP Program, municipalities identify key climate-related hazards, vulnerabilities and strengths, develop adaptation actions, and prioritize next steps. Results of the workshops and planning efforts have enhanced local plans, grant applications, and policies. Communities are then eligible for competitive MVP Action Grant funding to implement priority on-the-ground projects.
“Climate change is undeniable, and waterfront communities like Everett are especially vulnerable to its affects. Our community must therefore take urgent action to prepare for the negative impacts of this environmental crisis,” said Sen. Sal DiDomenico. “I would like to commend Everett officials for their ongoing work and dedication to climate change resiliency that has earned our city the title of MVP Community; this designation will be valuable as we continue planning and executing resiliency measures to help our community adapt and prepare for the impact of climate change.”
Last year, storms caused flooding and undermined a parking lot in the New England Produce Center, and a dramatic increase in storm surge came within 18 inches to over-topping the Amelia Earhart Dam. If the dam had been breached it could have flooded a major National Grid substation along the Malden River. Many industrial facilities in Everett are located in areas vulnerable to flooding, such as District Gas, the LNG Marine Terminal, the Exxon Mobil Marine Terminal, the New England Produce Center, Aggregate Industries, Amazon and Craft Brewers.
“I know that Mayor DeMaria and his staff are working hard to identify all vulnerabilities. Paired with actionable steps, these efforts will ensure that we can sustainably move our economy forward and be resilient when major flooding occurs,” said State Rep. Joseph McGonagle.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides wrote, “I commend your community’s dedication to climate change resiliency and I look forward to watching the City of Everett continue its efforts to plan and implement priority climate adaptation strategies.”