Nearly $290,000 will be used to support communities with local projects
SPRINGFIELD – The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) announced its most recent Direct Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) grant awards, allotting $288,682 to support projects across Hampden and Hampshire counties. The concepts span from a rural network to end domestic violence, to shared regional emergency services, to broad-scale rezoning, to housing development, to drinking water protection, to a regional waste disposal costs evaluation, and others. Projects are set to begin over the following weeks.
“A huge portion of our work at PVPC is providing technical assistance to communities across Western Massachusetts, which is particularly important as we recognize the nature of our municipalities in the Pioneer Valley. Unlike the rest of the state, our region is home the majority of rural and suburban towns with small local governments and limited resources. By joining forces, PVPC is able to elevate the ambitions of these communities and make real legacy change,” said Kimberly H. Robinson, Executive Director of PVPC. “We applaud the creativity and thoughtful proposals put forward and we are eager to work hand-in-hand with these municipalities and see them come to life right here in the Valley.”
The PVPC is able to provide this local technical assistance at no cost to these communities thanks to funding provided by the Massachusetts Legislature with the support of local legislators, under a contract with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) for the DLTA Program. Communities are asked to provide an in-kind match equivalent to 5% of the total budget for each project, which can include community staff time or volunteer board members time spent on the project.
Some of the projects which will be supported are:
- Belchertown – “Making the Community and its Plan Live!” work.
- Chester – the exploration of the feasibility of the Towns of Chester and Blandford to combine their fire departments and share a Fire Chief.
- Chester, Russell, Middlefield, Huntington, Bandford, Montgomery, Tolland, Granville, Worthington, Ware, Hardwick and Warren – “Rural Network to End Domestic Violence,” connecting and supporting participating communities and task forces that now work independently to prevent and end domestic violence.
- Chesterfield – “Catalyst for Master Plan: Review of Zoning Compliance with State Mandates and Current Zoning Practices in Small, Rural Towns.”
- East Longmeadow – housing needs assessment.
- Goshen – a comprehensive zoning bylaw review and diagnostic plan.
- Granby – open space and recreation planning.
- Hadley – exploring a Chapter 40R Zoning District on Route 9.
- Hilltown Community Ambulance Association (HCAA) – technical assistance with communication, outreach and work to sustain regional ambulance services in the six Gateway communities of the Hilltowns.
- Huntington – updating the open space and recreation plan.
- Ludlow and surrounding towns – continued regional evaluation of trash disposal.
- Ludlow – a comprehensive zoning bylaw review and plan update.
- Middlefield – continued assistance with the municipal capital Plan
- Pelham – planning for future needs following a 40B project approval in an aging community.
- South Hadley Fire Districts #1 and #2 – sharing personnel and potentially services.
- South Hadley – to support the creation of affordable housing in 40R Smart Growth Districts.
- Southampton – “2024 Drinking Water Supply Protection Initiative.”
- Worthington – updating the open space and recreation plan.
PVPC’s Environment and Land Use Department works to protect the environment of the Pioneer Valley region, promote economically and environmentally healthy communities where people can walk and bicycle safely and conveniently. In their work, the Department can facilitate transition to clean, safe, sustainable energy; promote smart growth and reduced urban sprawl; catalyze regional action to address climate change and food insecurity; and promote understanding of and access to green infrastructure. The Department assists in Master Planning to ensure resilient communities, to keep rivers and streams clean, assure local zoning regulations to achieve community visions, protect our water supplies, and encourage sustainable land use. Working with municipalities, state and federal agencies, community organizations, non-profit groups, and private sector partners, the Environment and Land Use Department promotes local action, regional cooperation, and state initiatives leading to wise use of our resources.
PVPC’s Department of Economic and Municipal Collaboration works on municipal and economic development issues throughout the Pioneer Valley, covering a range of initiatives supporting police, health, succession planning, and decarbonization, among others. The Department provides technical assistance to communities, such as capital planning, digital equity, shared services, and strategic economic development. Working with local communities, the Department is service-driven and focused on the unique challenges facing cities and towns daily.