The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) is excited to share that we have been awarded a Community Compact Efficiency and Regionalization Grant for $198,500 to develop a regional approach for a Merrimack River Cleanup Project involving the communities of Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen, and Tyngsborough. This program will include regular waterway cleanup of floatable debris during the recreation season, piloting an annual shoreline cleanup event in each community, improvements to the Early Alert Tool model, the production and circulation of outreach materials to community-based organizations, and the installation of informational signage at Merrimack River landings to promote awareness of Merrimack River water quality. The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) and the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) will manage the Merrimack River Cleanup Project and take advantage of regional efficiencies to procure equipment and services, and coordinate with participating communities to host pilot shoreline cleanup events. The Project Website will launch this spring with updates and event details as they become available.