January 24, 2014 — WASHINGTON — The following was released by the offices of Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey and Congressman Bill Keating:
United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, and Congressman Bill Keating today announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a $1 million grant to Harwich and Chatham to support the conservation of coastal wetlands. Another $1.9 million in funding will be provided by partner agencies.
“Protecting Massachusetts’ wetlands is good for the environment and good for our local communities,” said Senator Warren. “Wetlands help improve water quality, reduce flooding, and provide for a diverse natural habitat. This USFWS grant and significant partner funding will go a long way toward strengthening wetland conservation on the Cape.”
“Massachusetts relies on its wetlands for everything from fish to flood control,” Senator Markey said. "As the climate warms and storms intensify, we need to be even more diligent about protecting and restoring our wetlands so that they can protect us. I applaud the USFWS and partner agencies for this forward-looking project.”
"With this award, USFWS has demonstrated its shared commitment to projects that will bring long-term viability to our communities," said Rep. Keating. "This funding is a direct investment that will go beyond Harwich and Chatham; tourists and Massachusetts residents alike will benefit from this dedication to coastal wetland conservation."
The USFWS and partner funding will support the restoration of more than 55 acres of coastal wetlands in Harwich and Chatham. It will also help fund the construction of the Muddy Creek bridge. The grant was awarded as part of the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program. More information about the national grant awards is available here.