Hi Peter,

 

As discussed yesterday, I think the Hamilton Reservoir culvert project is a strong candidate for funding with an MVP Action Grant.  In order to qualify for Action Grant funding, the Town of Holland must first go through the MVP Planning Grant process.  This involves applying for (and being awarded) and MVP Planning Grant, which gives the Town funds to work with a consultant to develop a report assessing Town risks and vulnerabilities to climate change in 3 major categories – infrastructure, environment, and societal.  The report will include a prioritized list of actions that provide the basis for future funding through MVP Action Grants.   Once the MVP Planning Grant report is accepted by the state, Holland will become an “MVP Community” and eligible to receive MVP Action Grant funds.

 

The MVP Planning Grant deadline in June 4, 2021.  If the Town would like to pursue this, CEI could develop the application on your behalf, with the following needed from the Town to support the application:

 

• Grant commitment letter from the Town Manager (printed on Town letterhead) 
• At least 3 letters of support from Town departments/Boards/Commissions 
• Need to establish a local point of contact (Town representative to serve as the local point of contact for the project). This person would coordinate activities and communications between the consultant and other Town departments.  It can be pretty much anyone, but we need to provide a resume, qualifications, and/or summary of experience.  Other towns have used a variety of positions (e.g. Town Planner, Town Engineer, DPW Director, Town Manager, Conservation Agent, etc.). 
• Copies of other existing plans/documents that would help support this planning effort:  For example, Master Plan, Open Space Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, etc. that we can pull from to support the application. 

 

The Planning grant is 100% state-funded (no matching funds required from the Town), although the Town is expected to contribute staff involvement in the planning process.  The process will include several meetings of a Core Team, which is typically comprised of representatives with varying expertise such as the DPW Director, representatives from Planning Board, Conservation Commission, public safety (police/fire), Council on Aging, etc.  The planning process culminates in a planning workshop that provides the basis for the report submitted to the state.  For reference, an example MVP Planning report that we prepared last year for the Town of Lunenburg  is attached.  The 2020 MVP Planning grant application which funded that project is also attached.

 

Here’s a link to more information about the MVP Planning Grant:  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mvp-planning-grant

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like any more information.

 

Regards,