Mystic River Watershed Association Inc

RESTORATION, CREATION, AND ENHANCEMENT OF WETLANDS IN COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS

DESCRIPTION:THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES FUNDING TO MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION. SPECIFICALLY, THE RECIPIENT WILL CONVENE STAKEHOLDERS INCLUDING RESIDENTS, IN CHELSEA, EVERETT AND MALDEN (COMBINED POPULATION OF 111,019). THESE ARE THREE HIGHLY URBANIZED CITIES IN THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED WHERE RESIDENTS ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY HEAT AND POOR AIR QUALITY-TO DEVELOP RESIDENT-LED POLICY, SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS RELATED TO HEAT. THE ULTIMATE OUTCOMES WILL BE INCREASED RESILIENCE TO EXTREME HEAT RESULTING IN A REDUCTION IN CONDITIONS THAT EXACERBATE RESPIRATORY INCIDENTS AND EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS CAUSED BY HEAT.ACTIVITIES:THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE CONVENING AND EMPOWERING A 12-MEMBER RESIDENT STEERING COMMITTEE; HOSTING 9 COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS; REACHING 1,000 RESIDENTS THROUGH DIRECT OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT; CREATING A TOOLKIT FOR RESIDENTS AND MUNICIPALITIES ON MITIGATION INTERVENTIONS; DEVELOPING AT LEAST ONE INTERVENTION EACH COMMUNITY; AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE THROUGH 2 WEBINARS AND 1 MEETING OF REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.SUBRECIPIENT:GREENROOTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN PROJECT TEAM MEETINGS, ASSIST WITH RESIDENT STEERING COMMITTEE AND STAKEHOLDER GROUP; LEAD RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT IN CHELSEA, COMPLETE COOL BLOCK INTERVENTION AND PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPMENT OF OTHER COOLING STRATEGIES. EVERETT COMMUNITY GROWERS WILL PARTICIPATE IN PROJECT TEAM MEETINGS, ASSIST WITH RESIDENT STEERING COMMITTEE AND STAKEHOLDER GROUP; LEAD RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT IN EVERETT, PROVIDE CONTENT EXPERTISE ON COOL BLOCKS COOLING INTERVENTIONS. CHINESE CULTURAL CONNECTION WILL PARTICIPATE IN PROJECT TEAM MEETINGS, ASSIST WITH RESIDENT STEERING COMMITTEE AND STAKEHOLDER GROUP; LEAD RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT IN MALDEN, PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPMENT OF COOLING STRATEGIES. CAMBRIDGE HEALTH ALLIANCE WILL LEAD IN CONNECTING CLIMATE AND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES (MESSAGING, WORKSHOPS, WEBINARS AND POTENTIAL BEHAVIOR CHANGE OPPORTUNITIES); ASSIST WITH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN MALDEN AND EVERETT; PARTICIPATE IN STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS; MEET WITH AND RECRUIT ADDITIONAL MUNICIPAL AND STATE SUPPORTERS. OUTCOMES:THE ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES INCLUDE: A 12-MEMBER RESIDENT STEERING COMMITTEE; 9 COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS; 1,000 RESIDENTS REACHED THROUGH DIRECT OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT; TOOLKIT FOR RESIDENTS AND MUNICIPALITIES ON MITIGATION INTERVENTIONS. THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES INCLUDE: REDUCTION IN CONDITIONS THAT EXACERBATE RESPIRATORY INCIDENTS; HEAT IMPACTS MITIGATED; QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVED. REDUCED RATES OF EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS RELATED TO HEAT STRESS. INCREASED RESILIENCE TO EXTREME HEAT IN CHELSEA, EVERETT AND MALDEN. INTERVENTIONS EXPANDED AND IMPLEMENTED, REDUCING HEAT IMPACTS IN MOST VULNERABLE NEIGHBORHOODS. LESSONS LEARNED AND REPLICABLE MODELS SHARED BROADLY WITH GOAL FOR IMPLEMENTATION ACROSS OTHER EJ COMMUNITIES. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE: RESIDENTS OF CHELSEA, EVERETT AND MALDEN AND THEIR MUNICIPAL STAFF AND LEADERSHIP AS WELL AS COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS.

DESCRIPTION:THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES CONDUCT AMBIENT AIR MONITORING OF POLLUTANTS OF GREATEST CONCERN IN COMMUNITIES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH OUTCOME DISPARITIES STEMMING FROM POLLUTION AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.ACTIVITIES:THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE QUANTIFYING LOCALIZED AIR QUALITY DISPARITIES AND IMPACTS, LEADING COMMUNITY ASSESSMENTS OF AIR QUALITY, BUILDING LOCAL CAPACITY, STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS, AND ULTIMATELY REDUCING AIR QUALITY AND HEALTH DISPARITIES THROUGH DEVELOPING AND FACILITATING A COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD TO HELP GUIDE STUDY DESIGN, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES, IMPLEMENTING A LONG-TERM AIR MONITORING NETWORK AND CONDUCTING COMMUNITY-SCALE MONITORING PROJECTS, DEVELOPING A GREATER UNDERSTANDING ABOUT AIR QUALITY ISSUES WITH RESIDENTS, AND DEVELOPING MITIGATION STRATEGIES FOR EACH OF 4 COMMUNITIES. SUBRECIPIENT:AIR, INC. WILL LEAD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN EAST BOSTON, CONDUCT DATA ANALYSIS, AND CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY EDUCATION BY TRANSLATING SCIENTIFIC DATA INTO UNDERSTANDABLE LANGUAGE. CAMBRIDGE HEALTH ALLIANCE WILL LEAD EFFORTS TO CONNECT AIR QUALITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES (MESSAGING AND POTENTIAL BEHAVIOR CHANGE OPPORTUNITIES) AND LEAD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN MALDEN AND EVERETT. SOMERVILLE TRANSPORTATION EQUITY PARTNERSHIP WILL CONDUCT STUDY DESIGN, OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT STRATEGY, DATA ANALYSIS, AND CONTRIBUTE TO DEVELOPING COMMUNITY EDUCATION BY TRANSLATING SCIENTIFIC DATA INTO UNDERSTANDABLE LANGUAGE. DR. NEELAKSHI HUDDA OF TUFTS UNIVERSITY WILL LEAD MOBILE MONITORING TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROJECTS; (2) ASSIST WITH SET-UP AND MAINTENANCE OF MONITORING SITES, COLLOCATION WITH REGULATORY SITES AND SIDE BY SIDE TESTS IN THE LAB; (3) ASSIST WITH DATA INTERPRETATION AND QUALITY CONTROL; (4) ASSIST WITH TROUBLESHOOTING OF EQUIPMENT; (5) ASSIST WITH MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION AND PUBLICATION. OUTCOMES:THE ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES INCLUDE 4 LONG-TERM MONITORING NETWORK SITES DEPLOYED, UP TO 24 ADDITIONAL SHORT-TERM MONITORING SITES DEPLOYED, 1-2 LISTENING SESSIONS AND 1 REPORT BACK-SESSION COMPLETED IN 4 COMMUNITIES, A WEBSITE FOR PUBLIC DATA ACCESS, AIR QUALITY INFORMATION DISSEMINATED TO 1000 RESIDENTS (VIA A PROJECT WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, PUBLIC EVENTS, MEETINGS, AND PRINTED MATERIALS), 1 MEETING WITH REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES TO SHARE FINDINGS, AND ACCESSIBLE WRITTEN REPORTS ON DATA INTERPRETATION METHODS AND BEST-PRACTICES FOR CO-PRODUCTION OF ACTIONABLE DATA TO SUPPORT LOCAL DECISION MAKING ON TRAFFIC EMISSIONS-RELATED AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT. THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES INCLUDE (1) SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES: INCREASED ACCESS TO ACTIONABLE AIR QUALITY DATA AND INFORMATION ON TRAFFIC IMPACTS THROUGH ROBUST AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENTS AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WIDER USE OF BEST PRACTICES FROM CO-PRODUCTION OF RESPONSIVE AND ACTIONABLE AIR QUALITY INFORMATION WITH COMMUNITIES, INCREASED AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS ABOUT DRIVERS OF AIR QUALITY ISSUES IN THEIR MUNICIPALITY AND REGION, AND GREATER COORDINATION AMONG MUNICIPALITIES, RESEARCHERS, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS AROUND AIR QUALITY ISSUES AND PRIORITY PROJECTS; (2) INTERMEDIATE OUTCOMES: MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND REGIONAL TRANSIT DECISIONS INFORMED BY AIR QUALITY DATA NEEDS OF 4 COMMUNITIES, AT LEAST 1 MITIGATION FOR BUILT ENVIRONMENT, TRAFFIC FLOW CHANGES, AND/OR MUNICIPAL OR STATE POLICIES PRIORITIZED PER COMMUNITY, RESIDENTS HAVING RESOURCES TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS TO PROTECT THEIR HEALTH, RESIDENTS HAVING GREATER UNDERSTANDING ABOUT MITIGATIONS FOR ADDRESSING AIR QUALITY, AND LOCAL AND REGIONAL BODIES GETTING NEW ACTIONABLE INFORMATION; (3) LONG-TERM OUTCOMES: REDUCTION OF HUMAN EXPOSURE TO TRAFFIC-ORIGIN AIR POLLUTANTS DUE TO MITIGATION EFFORTS, A COHORT OF RESIDENTS HAVING KNOWLEDGE, TOOLS, AND RELATIONSHIPS TO CONTINUE MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO AIR QUALITY AND OTHER MITIGATION EFFORTS, AND LOCAL AND REGIONAL BODIES CHANGING POLICIES AND REPORTING THOSE CHANGES TO COMMUNITIES. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES I

DESCRIPTION:THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IS PROVIDED TO THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION (MYRWA) TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (CCMP). THE GOAL IS TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN THE CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL INTEGRITY OF THE ESTUARY AND SUPPORT ITS SUSTAINABLE HUMAN USES THROUGH TASKS OUTLINED IN ANNUAL WORKPLANS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP AND ITS PARTNERS. THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT SUPPORTS ACTIVITIES THAT CONTINUE TO ENGAGE RESIDENTS AND IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ALONG THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED BY PROVIDING FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED URBAN WATERS AMBASSADOR TO COORDINATE STAKEHOLDER AND FEDERAL PARTNER INVOLVEMENT FOR UP TO TWO YEARS; PROVIDE FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PILOT PROGRAM TO BRING COMMUNITY-ENGAGED ART TO RESIDENTS AROUND CLIMATE AND WATER QUALITY; AND TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO PLAN, DESIGN, AND ENGAGE STAKEHOLDERS AROUND HYDRATION STATION SITING WITHIN THE WATERSHED. ACTIVITIES:THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT SUPPORTS ACTIVITIES TO FURTHER ENGAGE RESIDENTS AND IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ALONG THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED. UNDER TASK 1, THE MYSTIC AMBASSADOR WILL PROMOTE AND PROVIDE FORMS OF COMMUNITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CAPACITY BUILDING AND MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT. THEY WILL SERVICE AS THE PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT FOR THE MYSTIC RIVER URBAN WATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP, AND COORDINATE, PLAN, AND COLLABORATE WITH FEDERAL PARTNER AGENCIES. UNDER TASK 2, THE RECIPIENT WILL SOLICIT AND HOST AN ARTIST IN RESIDENCE AS ONE OF SIX PILOT LOCATIONS NATION-WIDE. THE ARTIST WILL INCREASE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES BY UTILIZING ART AS AN AVENUE TO ACTIVATE SPACES IN THE WATERSHED, ENHANCING THEIR BEAUTY AND EMPHASIZING THEIR VALUE AS COMMUNITY RESOURCES. THE ARTIST WILL PARTICIPATE IN EPA'S ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PILOT COHORT AND WILL COORDINATE WITH OTHER URBAN WATERS AMBASSADORS AND ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE. UNDER TASK 3, THE RECIPIENT WILL PLAN AND DESIGN A STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROJECT RELATED TO HYDRATION STATION SITING IN THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED WITH THE GOAL OF REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE INTO THE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. THE RECIPIENT WILL FIRST PERFORM RESEARCH TO UNDERSTAND EXISTING CONDITIONS AND REGULATIONS AROUND HYDRATION STATION INSTALLATIONS; IDENTIFY STAKEHOLDERS AND BUILD PARTNERSHIPS WITH MUNICIPALITIES AND OTHER NECESSARY PARTNERS; AND COLLECT INFORMATION ABOUT VENDORS AND POTENTIAL INSTALLATION LOCATIONS BEFORE PRIORITIZING LOCATIONS FOR INSTALLATION, RESEARCHING COSTS AND BENEFITS, AND PRESENTING RESEARCH TO THE PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS.SUBRECIPIENT:NO SUBAWARDS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT.OUTCOMES:DELIVERABLES INCLUDE THE PLANNING AND FACILITATION OF AT LEAST TWO STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND TWO STORMWATER COLLABORATIVE MEETINGS, MONTHLY EMAILS TO COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS, AT LEAST THREE COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE WATERSHED INCLUDING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, THE SUPPORT OF AT LEAST ONE FUNDING APPLICATION; THE COMPLETION OF ONE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE WITH PUBLIC ART IN AT LEAST THREE PLACES IN THE WATERSHED, AND AT LEAST EIGHT PUBLIC EVENTS HOSTED BY THE RECIPIENT AND THE ARTIST; AN INVENTORY OF CURRENT WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON VENDOR OPTIONS DETAILING DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS FOR HYDRATION STATIONS, A COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS FOR FUTURE INSTALLATIONS, DOCUMENTED COLLABORATION WITH MUNICIPAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL PARTNERS, AND A GIS MAP OF OPTIMAL HYDRATION STATION INSTALLATIONS FOR FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION. OUTCOMES INCLUDE INCREASED FUNDING FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS IN THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED, INCREASED UNDERSTANDING BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ABOUT THE IMPACTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN WATERSHED COMMUNITIES, STRONGER COMMUNICATION AND ENHANCED COLLABORATION BETWEEN AND AMONG NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND MUNICIPAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES; EXPANDED UNDERST

FOREST RESOURCE INFORMATION ANALYSIS MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION URBAN FORESTRY PROJECT

EDUCATION & ENGAGEMENT AROUND INDUSTRIPLEX NRDAR

MYSTIC RIVER -THIS PROJECT CONNECTS URBAN STUDENTS THE HERRING MIGRATION. THE GOALS OF THE PROJECT ARE TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AMONG URBAN

DESCRIPTION:THE PURPOSE OF THIS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) FUNDED GRANT IS TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF RESIDENTS' CURRENT EXPERIENCE OF EXTREME HEAT, HOUSING, AND FOOD INSECURITY IN EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS, IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT CLIMATE RESILIENCE EFFORTS AND ENSURE THAT POTENTIAL STRATEGIES TO COMBAT THESE ISSUES DO NOT INCREASE SOCIAL INEQUITIES, SUCH AS GENTRIFICATION AND DISPLACEMENT OF LOWER-INCOME AND WORKING-CLASS RESIDENTS. EVERETT HAD ONE OF THE HIGHEST RATES OF COVID INFECTION IN THE STATE, WITH ANALYSIS SHOWING THAT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR WERE PARTICULARLY HARD HIT, AND EVERETT RESIDENTS ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY POOR AIR QUALITY. PEOPLE WITH MODERATE-TO-SEVERE OR UNCONTROLLED ASTHMA ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE HOSPITALIZED FROM COVID-19. AIR POLLUTION MAY CONTRIBUTE TO ASTHMA. BY ADDRESSING AIR POLLUTION IN THIS PROJECT AS AUTHORIZED UNDER CAA 103(B)(3), THE CHANCES OF SEVERE ILLNESS FROM COVID-19 ARE REDUCED. THIS PROJECT SEEKS TO: EXAMINE POLICIES, PLANS AND PROGRAMS THAT WERE ACTIVATED DURING THE PANDEMIC VIA MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS IN EVERETT THROUGH PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH; IDENTIFY IF STRATEGIES ARE ADAPTABLE OR CAN BE IMPROVED UPON FOR LONG-TERM CLIMATE RESILIENCE, WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON EXTREME HEAT AND HOUSING AND FOOD INSECURITY; AND DETERMINE RESIDENT-LED POLICY, SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE STRATEGIES TO COMBAT EXTREME HEAT AND HOUSING AND FOOD INSECURITY.ACTIVITIES:IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLEAN AIR ACT, SECTION 103(B)(3), THIS PROJECT WILL COLLECT DATA AND INFORMATION, CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT, AND PROVIDE COMMUNITY EDUCATION TO EXPLORE CAUSES OF EXTREME HEAT AND AIR POLLUTION, HOUSING, AND FOOD INSECURITY, AND EXPLORE STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT LONG-TERM CLIMATE RESILIENCE. PROJECT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: 1) LEADING A COMMUNITY PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT USING A PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH (PAR) MODEL FROM THE HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS STUDY (HNS) MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, INCLUDING RESEARCH AND TRAINING FOR RESIDENTS AND THE REVIEW OF EXISTING CLIMATE POLICIES; 2) FACILITATING 6 WORKSHOPS WITH THE GREATER BOSTON ANTI-DISPLACEMENT TOOLKIT TO ENGAGE OVER 30 COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN IDENTIFYING STRATEGIES TO COMBAT CLIMATE INTENSIFIED HEALTH RISKS RELATED TO EXTREME HEAT, HOUSING INSTABILITY AND FOOD INSECURITY; AND 3) IDENTIFYING AND PRESENTING 1-2 CLIMATE RESILIENCE STRATEGIES AND PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT FINDINGS TO A COHORT OF THREE COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND AT LEAST 30 RESIDENTS.SUBRECIPIENT:TWO EVERETT-BASED ORGANIZATIONS WILL RECEIVE SUBAWARDS TO COMPLETE ELEMENTS OF THIS PROJECT. EVERETT COMMUNITY GROWERS (ECG), A COMMUNITY-BASED FOOD JUSTICE ORGANIZATION, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND WILL HIRE A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER TO COORDINATE PROJECT ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. OTHER ECG STAFF, SUCH AS THE YOUTH CREW, WILL PARTICIPATE IN TRAINING, ASSESSMENT, AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. ECG WILL ALSO PROVIDE IN-KIND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT THROUGH THEIR PLANNING AND POLICY COORDINATOR AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR. ECG WILL UTILIZE THEIR FARM AND COMMUNITY GARDENS AS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPACE, TO EXEMPLIFY HOW GROWING SPACES COMBAT THE HEAT ISLAND EFFECT WHILE ALSO PROVIDING A SPACE TO GATHER, GROW, AND EXPERIENCE FOOD. ONE EVERETT (OE) IS A COALITION OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS (CBOS) AND RESIDENTS ORGANIZING FOR A COMMUNITY THAT VALUES, ACTS AND ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, FIGHTING AGAINST SYSTEMIC RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA. MEMBERS OF OE WILL BE TRAINED TO LEAD THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSESSMENT AND ORGANIZE THE COMMUNITY AROUND THE PLANNED ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. MEMBERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PARTICIPATING IN TRAINING, COMPLETING THE MODULES ADAPTED FROM THE GREATER BOSTON ANTI-DISPLACEMENT TOOLKIT AND SELECTING A PILOT STRATEGY AS AN OUTCOME OF THIS PROJECT.OUTCOMES:THE INTENDED BENEFICIARY OF THIS PROJECT IS THE CITY OF EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS. EVERETT RESIDENTS ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY CORONAVIRUS (COVID) INFECTIONS AND POOR

THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION (MYRWA) WILL CREATE A MULTIMEDIA EDUCATION PROGRAM ABOUT STORMWATER POLLUTION FOR A REGIONAL COALITION OF MUNI

THIS URBAN WATERS SMALL GRANT PROJECT WILL WORK TO PROMOTE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE (GI) IN THREE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES (MEDFORD, MALDEN, EVE

DESCRIPTION:THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES FUNDING TO THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION FOR THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED URBAN WATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP AMBASSADOR. THE AMBASSADOR SUPPORTS THE PARTNERSHIP'S MISSION TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND INCREASE ACCESS TO PUBLIC OPEN SPACES THROUGH COORDINATION AND FACILITATION WHILE ALSO FURTHERING EFFORTS TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CREATE EQUITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES IN THE WATERSHED. ACTIVITIES:ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE AMBASSADOR TO: SERVE AS THE PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT FOR THE MYSTIC RIVER URBAN WATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP, PROMOTE AND PROVIDE COMMUNITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CAPACITY BUILDING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; COORDINATE, PLAN, AND COLLABORATE WITH FEDERAL PARTNER AGENCIES; COORDINATE ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN WATERS PROGRAM IN THE MASSACHUSETTS BAYS REGION; COORDINATE, PLAN, AND WORK WITH FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PARTNERS IN IMPLEMENTING COMMUNITY PROJECTS; PROVIDE COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH SUPPORT BY WORKING CLOSELY WITH EPA; AND RAISE AWARENESS OF THE MYSTIC RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES.SUBRECIPIENT:NO SUBAWARDS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT.OUTCOMES:THE ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES INCLUDE THE URBAN WATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP AMBASSADOR COORDINATING AT LEAST TWO STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS WITH AT LEAST ONE FOCUSED ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES, SENDING MONTHLY EMAILS ABOUT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES SHARED WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS, PARTICIPATING IN AT LEAST TWELVE STEWARDSHIP EVENTS IN THE WATERSHED TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, SUPPORTING THREE ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE WATERSHED, HOSTING TWO STORMWATER COLLABORATIVE MEETINGS CENTERED ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND SUPPORTING OR LEADING ONE FUNDING APPLICATION THAT THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION SUBMITS FOR FUNDING. THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES INCLUDE INCREASED FUNDING FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS IN THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED FOCUSED ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CENSUS BLOCKS, INCREASED UNDERSTANDING BY STATE AGENCIES AND OTHER PARTNERS AROUND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACTS AND STEPS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO BETTER ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, INCREASED LINKAGES BETWEEN COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCY PARTNERS, MORE DIVERSE RESIDENTS UNDERSTANDING OF, CARING ABOUT, AND BECOMING ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN FOR THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE THE CITIZENS AND PROFESSIONALS LIVING, WORKING, AND RECREATING IN AND ON THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED.

DESCRIPTION:THE PURPOSE OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IS TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION TO CONDUCT THEIR MYSTIC WICKED COOL AMBASSADORS PROGRAM. THESE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO CONDUCT MEANINGFULLY ENGAGE WITH CHELSEA, EVERETT, AND MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE IMPACTS IN THEIR COMMUNITIESMDASH;WITH A FOCUS ON HEATMDASH;WHICH POSES THE GREATEST PUBLIC HEALTH RISK. THIS EFFORT WILL HELP BUILD CAPACITY AND KNOWLEDGE FROM AREA RESIDENTS ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS, AND WHAT THEY CAN DO TO PROTECT THEIR COMMUNITIES IN THE SHORT-TERM AND IN THE LONG-TERM. ACTIVITIES:THROUGH THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION (MYRWA) WILL RECRUIT AND SUPPORT 12 AMBASSADORSMDASH;FOUR FROM EACH OF THE COMMUNITIESMDASH;TO GATHER COMMENTS AND CONCERNS FROM THE BROADER COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS TO HELP TO IDENTIFY STRATEGIES TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY AND TO DEVELOP LONG TERM INTERVENTION STRATEGIES. THROUGH MATERIALS TRANSLATIONS MYRWA WILL ENSURE THAT THEY REACH A WIDE ENGAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS THROUGH DOOR-TO- DOOR KNOCKING AND ATTENDANCE AT EVENTS ETC. AND ENSURE LOCALIZED COOLING SOLUTIONS ARE SEEDED BY RESIDENTS AND OTHER MYRWA ACTIVITIES ARE LED WITH RESIDENT INPUT.SUBRECIPIENT:NO SUBAWARDS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT.OUTCOMES:THE ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES ARE: - 12 CLIMATE AMBASSADORS (4 IN EACH OF THE COMMUNITIES) MEETING MONTHLY - 1,000 RESIDENTS REACHED THROUGH DIRECT OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT - PARTICIPATION IN AT LEAST 50 COMMUNITY EVENTS - A REPORT ON DATA COLLECTED ON HOW RESIDENTS EXPERIENCE HEAT; WHAT INTERVENTIONS RESIDENTS WOULD LIKE TO SEE; AND WHAT INFORMATION RESIDENTS WILL LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT CLIMATE IMPACTS COMPLETED AND PRESENTED TO MYRWA STAFF, THE RESILIENT MYSTIC COLLABORATIVE AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES. - 3 RECOMMENDATIONS ON INTERVENTIONS BY RESIDENTS ACTED ON BY MYRWA THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES INCLUDE: - RESIDENTS IN FRONTLINE CLIMATE JUSTICE AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES ARE AWARE OF HEAT IMPACTS TO HEALTH, AND ARE ACTIVELY LEADING INTERVENTION STRATEGIES - PROJECTS RELATED TO COOLING, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE ARE SEEDED BY RESIDENTS, AND THEIR VOICES ARE CENTERED THROUGHOUT THE LONG-TERM OUTCOMES WILL BE RESIDENT- LED CLIMATE INTERVENTIONSMDASH;WITH A FOCUS ON MITIGATING HEAT TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH OF THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. THIS TWO YEAR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WILL BUILD THE CAPACITY OF RESIDENTS TOWARD THIS END. DIRECT BENEFICIARIES OF THESE ACTIVITIES ARE THE RESIDENTS OF CHELSEA, EVERETT, AND MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS.

THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION'S PROJECT 'FISHING SAFELY IN THE MYSTIC' WILL LAUNCH A COORDINATED PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGN THAT PROTECTS HUMAN HEALTH BY EDUCATING RESIDENTS IN CHELSEA, EAST BOSTON, AND SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS ABOUT SAFE FISHING, AND WILL BUILD COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER COMMITMENT TO ADDRESSING POLLUTION SOURCES IN THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED THAT ARE THE GREATEST HEALTH THREATS. THE PROJECT WILL POST SIGNAGE AT FIVE LOCATIONS ALONG THE MYSTIC RIVER AND CHELSEA CREEK AT OR ADJACENT TO WETLANDS IN CHELSEA, EAST BOSTON, AND SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS, WILL DEVELOP A CURRICULAR MODULE FOR CHELSEA, EAST BOSTON, AND SOMERVILLE SCHOOLS, AND WILL WORK WITH CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS, COMMUNITY HEALTH FACILITIES, AND FOOD ACCESS ORGANIZATIONS TO SHARE INFORMATION AND PRINTED MATERIALS ABOUT SAFE FISHING IN THIS WATERSHED.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES 5 COMMUNITY GROUPS THAT REPRESENT VARIOUS GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF THE MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED. THROUGH INTERACTION AND TRAINING ACT