BOSTON – Fairhaven will receive some of the funding announced last week to help Massachusetts municipalities preserve 880 acres for recreation, drinking water aquifers, wetlands and wildlife.
In all, 19 communities will receive grants totaling $6.3 million. According to a news release, they will be matched by $8.9 million in municipal, private and nonprofit funding.
Fairhaven will receive $254,200 for property near New Boston Road, the release said.
“This project, completed in partnership with the Coalition for Buzzards Bay, adds to a block of open space in northeastern Fairhaven, which lies above the Mattapoisett River aquifer and contains priority habitat for rare species,” the release said. “The parcel improves access to adjacent town properties and provides public access for passive recreation.”
The other communities receiving grants are: Amherst, Andover, Barnstable, Belchertown, Brewster, Dennis, Falmouth, Groton, Harwich, Lexington, Northampton, Orleans, Provincetown, Scituate, Templeton, Upton, Ware and Yarmouth.
To qualify for the reimbursement grants, communities must fund the projects upfront. •
