The Patrick administration Monday announced $1.5 million in funding for six communities and one organization. The grants will be used “to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, erosion and sea level rise through natural and non-structural approaches,” according to a press release.
Chilmark is slated to receive $280,000 “to expand and restore Squibnocket Town Beach and relocate the beach parking area to a location naturally protected from erosion,” the press release said. “The project will support the Squibnocket Farm Homeowner’s Association’s plan to construct an elevated roadway that provides enhanced public access and protection for a coastal road.”
That plan is a point of contention and remains under discussion. A town-appointed committee is expected to present its recommendations for preserving the beach parking lot and subdivision access in the coming months.
“With these grants, the Patrick Administration is providing direct support to local projects that design and implement sustainable approaches to addressing climate change impacts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Maeve Vallely Bartlett. “These innovative, community-based projects protect vulnerable coastal development while maintaining natural shoreline systems such as floodplains, wetlands, beaches and dunes both now and in the future.”
