Massachusetts local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can now apply for funding to repair or remove aging infrastructure through the Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Grant Program, mass.gov reported.
The program provides financial assistance for engineering, permitting, and construction projects involving dams, seawalls, levees, and other coastal or inland flood control structures. Funding is authorized under St. 2018, c. 209, via the Commonwealth’s 2018 Environmental Bond Bill.
Infrastructure projects target climate resilience and ecological restoration
The grant program focuses on two primary objectives: improving public health and safety through structural repairs and promoting ecological restoration by removing obsolete structures. According to mass.gov, many existing dams no longer serve a public purpose but present opportunities to restore natural ecosystems.
Grants are awarded on an annual, competitive basis. The selection process prioritizes projects that are “shovel-ready” for construction or those that include comprehensive permitting. Successful applicants typically receive funding for a contract period spanning two fiscal years.
Application requirements and the ECO One Stop process
Applicants must demonstrate legal authority to access the land and the specific structure subject to the grant for all necessary project purposes. For those seeking construction grants, the Commonwealth requires that projects be submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA Office) for regulatory review before the grant application is filed.
The Dam and Seawall Grant Program operates as part of the ECO One Stop, a unified application system for various climate and environmental resilience grants in Massachusetts. The application cycle generally follows this timeline:
- Early Fall: An optional but highly recommended Expression of Interest (EOI) period.
- Early Winter: Grant rounds typically open for formal submission.
Interested parties can access past application templates and previous ECO One Stop Requests for Responses (RFRs) through the Commonwealth’s e-procurement platform, COMMBUYS, by searching for the keyword “ECO One Stop.”
Eligible entities and structures for grant funding
| Feature | Requirement/Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligible Entities | Local government bodies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits |
| Eligible Structures | Dams, seawalls, levees, and inland/coastal flood control infrastructure |
| Primary Use of Funds | Engineering, permitting, and construction |
| Application System | ECO One Stop via the Grant Management System (GMS) |
Frequently asked questions about Massachusetts infrastructure grants
Interested applicants can sign up for e-alerts through the official state channels to receive notifications regarding upcoming application windows.
Where can I view my previous grant submissions?
Past applicants can access their previous submissions through the Environmental Affairs (EEA) online Grant Management System (GMS).
Are these grants subject to standard state municipal laws?
Grants made under the authority of St. 2018, c. 209, are not subject to the requirements of M.G.L. c. 25, § 2III or 301 CMR 15.00.
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