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Date: 8/31/2022
HOLLAND – On Sept. 10, the town of Holland will carry out their multi-phase Environmental Hazard Mitigation Project by hosting a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Workshop at the Community Center.
According to the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP)/Hazard Mitigation Planning (HMP) team, “This workshop will bring together community members to identify and prioritize steps to reduce risk and improve resilience across Holland.” In addition, the workshop will assist in developing and advancing hazard mitigation and adaptation efforts.
The workshops objectives are to:
Define extreme weather and climate related hazards
Identify current and future vulnerabilities and strengths
Develop and prioritize actions
Identify opportunities for the town to advance actions and reduce risks to build resilience
Peter Frei, a member of the MVP/HMP team, said the workshop invitation is open to all residents of Holland. “Individuals living in homes prone to flooding or are in other ways affected by global warming are especially encouraged to attend,” he added.
The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community Center, 40 Brimfield Rd.
“Organizers will provide breakfast and lunch,” said Frei. He noted that attendees are encouraged to register ahead of time so that the organizers know how much food is needed.
To register for the workshop, visit the Holland Police Department’s website at https://town.holland.ma.us/holland-police-department.
Project Background
While still in phase one, the multi-phase project began in Oct. 2021, after the Holland Board of Selectmen approved an Environmental Hazard Mitigation Project proposal. The proposal was submitted by Police Chief Brian Haughey, who also serves as the emergency management director.
The MVP/HMP core team consists of Haughey, Clelland Johnson, Stacy Stout, Robert Parron, Samuel Spratlin, Andrew Harhay, Karen Peret and Frei.
“With the focal point of our town being the Hamilton Reservoir and with the vast amount of ponds, rivers, streams, trails and other unique ecological systems within our community we must take a proactive approach to prioritize the preservation of our environment,” said the MVP/HMP team.
Their overall goal is to “adopt procedures that center on the protection, restoration and management of our ecological systems to safeguard public health, provide clean air and water, increase natural hazard resilience and sequester toxic and carbon emissions.”
In Nov. 2021, the town applied for funding through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), MVP Planning Grant. On Jan. 24, they were notified that they received the grant in the amount of $27,000.
In March, Holland partnered with Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) to complete the MVP/HMP project.