For most of us, climate change is a global issue that is complex and remains somewhat abstract. We hear that storms will be more severe and sea levels will rise. But how does this impact us locally? And what do climate change and the environment have to do with our property taxes?
Not being a coastal town, will sea level rise impact Westborough? Will we see more frequent river flooding like that in Sudbury and Framingham? As federal and state agencies work to address climate change and protect the environment, will this impact our Town?
We are starting to get some answers. Recent regulatory changes require better management of storm water drainage. Our Conservation Officer has mentioned these regulations in presentations to the Board of Selectmen. Shrewsbury is implementing a new annual fee to cover the cost of storm water management, ranging from $45 to as much as $7500 per property. Other towns are building these added costs into property taxes or water/sewer fees.
There is a better way.
Federal and state money is moving towards projects related to climate change assessment and mitigation. This money will fund infrastructure projects for storm water management, flooding control, retrofitting buildings, protecting transportation, and equipment for first responders.
Whether or not we believe our risks from climate change are a near term issue, we should be going after this money. Many projects that could be funded through climate change are projects we already want to do. If we can get more outside funds by tying them to climate change initiatives, then we should do so.
The first step is for Westborough to complete a Municipality Vulnerability Assessment. The good news is that the state is offering Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Planning Grants that can pay for most, if not all, of the study. The CMRPC is willing to assist as well. With a formal assessment in place, we can identify projects and seek sources for funding. Every project dollar funded by a grant is a dollar that does not appear on our local tax bills.