Amorello Announces $19,000 Grant for Blackstone River Watershed Association
State Senator Matthew J. Amorello (R-Grafton) today applauded the efforts of the Blackstone River Watershed Association for successfully securing a $19,000 Watershed Initiative Comprehensive Grant. Secretary of Environmental Affairs Trudy Coxe formally awarded the grant to the Blackstone Association and six other watershed associations during a ceremony in West Bridgewater today(10/31/96).
"This is really exciting news for the Blackstone River Watershed Association," Amorello said. "Their efforts have proven that in order to be successful in protecting and enhancing the Blackstone River, all of its tributaries should be considered as a whole. Working together we can ensure the preservation of this wonderful natural resource."
"The Watershed Initiative is on of the Commonwealth's - and the nation's - most innovative and ambitious plans to keep our waterways clean," Secretary Coxe said. "Judging by the quality of the applications for these awards, I know the associations will be successful in their efforts to build watershed teams and promote the protection of rivers and streams."
"The Blackstone River Watershed Association is committed to strengthening community stewardship of the entire river ecosystem. There presently are many stakeholders within the watershed who are interested in protecting and improving the natural resources of the Blackstone Valley," said Margaret Lavallee, president of the Blackstone River Watershed Association. "A coordinated effort is needed to unite these team players in a concerted effort of educational outreach to residents and other organizations in the watershed. The Blackstone River Watershed Association seeks to take a lead role in serving as the 'clearinghouse' for this united effort and these monies will go a long way in helping with that effort."
The Watershed Initiative, an innovative collaboration to protect natural resources among public and private partners, was launched in December 1993. In an effort to empower local organizations working to restore water quality, acquire sensitive lands and protect habitat in watersheds, the Legislature created the Watershed Initiative Grants in the 1996 Open Space Bond Bill.
The Blackstone River Watershed Association's grant will be used to fund a variety of collaborative efforts with local agencies throughout the Blackstone Valley. Among the organizations cited in the grant proposal are Save the Bay, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the Blackstone River Headwaters Coalition, and the University of Massachusetts Extension Service. Projects will include water quality monitoring programs with local schools, the creation of Stream Teams, as well as strategic planning for the Watershed Association's future fundraising and membership efforts.
A total of $530,000 will be awarded over a two-year period to the watershed associations. Award totals given out today represent the grant amount for two years.
Local residents interested in learning more about the Blackstone River Watershed Association's work can contact Margaret Lavallee at (508)752-3444.
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