MVPC TO RELEASE RFP FOR LOWER MERRIMACK RIVER WATER QUALITY PROJECTS

Lower Merrimack River Region to address water quality concerns with Earmark Funding administered by the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.  

HAVERHILL, MA – The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) is excited to announce the upcoming release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support projects aimed at improving water quality in the Lower Merrimack River. This funding opportunity will focus on addressing pollution caused by combined sewage overflow (CSO) events and non-point source runoff, two major contributors to water contamination in the region.

Senator Bruce Tarr sponsored this opportunity through Earmark Funding from Chapter 102 in the Acts of 2021. “Through regional and interstate collaboration, we have been making steady progress to improve the water quality of the Merrimack River and reduce the impacts of CSO’s,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “I am glad we were able to secure earmarked funding for that progress to continue, and now, armed with these funds, the MVPC is moving forward to put that money to work by seeking out and investing in new, innovative proposals to make a difference for the river.”

The Lower Merrimack River receives overflow from 27 combined sewer outfalls in cities along its banks. These outfalls have been identified by the Commonwealth as a major source of point-source pollution, contributing significantly to the presence of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Enterococci in the waterway. By funding targeted projects, MVPC aims to mitigate these impacts, improve water quality, and promote healthier ecosystems for both wildlife and local communities.

“We are excited to take another step forward in improving water quality in the Merrimack River, said MVPC Executive Director Jerrard Whitten.  Thanks to the leadership of Senator Bruce Tarr, the funding that will be released through this Request for Proposals will directly aid our region’s wastewater treatment plants and other essential initiatives to reduce pollution and protect this vital resource. We appreciate the Senator’s continued advocacy and look forward to working with our partners to put these funds to work for the health of the river and our communities.”

The RFP will be published on online procurement systems in early spring, with guidelines for project proposals. All funding related to this opportunity must be utilized by June 30, 2027. Eligible applicants include municipal and regional wastewater treatment facilities, non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and local and tribal governments within the Lower Merrimack Region.

“Access to funding is often the missing link between assessment and innovation in the systems of water resource management, said MVPC Environmental Program Manager Adrienne Lennon. With this opportunity, we aim to bridge that gap—supporting initiatives that will make measurable progress in environmental and public health by improving water quality in the Lower Merrimack River.”

For more information, follow MVPC’s blog or reach out to the Environmental Program with any questions. To learn more about MVPC’s initiatives addressing climate change and how to support local efforts, visit our program page: Environment | MVPC.