WERO.NOIA.2024.BEST.VALUE.GRANT.SPRINGFIELD.4.24.24.docx

Maura T. Healey Governor

Kimberley Driscoll Lieutenant Governor

Rebecca L. Tepper Secretary

Bonnie Heiple Commissioner

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A BEST VALUE GRANT

Purpose of Notice: In accordance with the State Comptroller’s Procurement/Contracts policy for State Grants, Federal Sub-Grants and Subsidies, dated September 8, 2014, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (“MassDEP”) is publishing this Notice of its intent to award a Grant in the amount of $500,000 to the City of Springfield, for support of activities to improve handling of stormwater, dam safety, and watercourse stabilization at the city owned Forest Park in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Grant Award will enable Springfield, an Environmental Justice and gateway community to conduct various activities in support of the project, including data collection and analysis, conceptual and preliminary design, and limited implementation work.

The details of this Notice of Intent to Award a Best Value Grant are as follows:

Selected Grantee: Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation 200 Trafton Road Springfield, MA 01108

Grant Amount: $500,000

Purpose of the Grant Funding: On behalf of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (“EEA”), MassDEP is administering this grant to make environmental improvements that support continued opportunities for open space recreation within an Environmental Justice Community.

Scope of Grant Performance to be Achieved or Funded Under the Grant: The Grant Award will include data collection and analysis and the development of conceptual and preliminary design plans including a Phase II engineering study of the Porter Lake Dam which is classified as an intermediate sized, significant hazard dam which was recently inspected by the state and found in poor condition; stabilization study of Lower Pecousic Brook to address ongoing erosional flood related damage; sedimentation study of Barny Pond with conceptual plans to restore historic open water recreational opportunities: Forest Park Zoo drainage survey and design to address threatened infrastructure: and Meadow Brook Drainage Outfall design and permitting. Details were provided in a proposed scope of work submitted to MassDEP in April 2024.

Duration of the Grant: MassDEP’s grant award contract with the City of Springfield will commence after the expiration period of this Notice, through June 30, 2024.

Justification why this Best Value Grant Award is Fair, Reasonable, and in the Best Interests of MassDEP and the Commonwealth: Urgent study and repair of infrastructure is needed in Springfield’s Forest Park to ensure continued use of open space recreation in this Environmental Justice community utilized by area residents and visitors. Additionally, the project will improve public safety, water quality and resilience from the continued effects of climate change.

MassDEP believes the proposed project scope is feasible and can be completed in the tight timeframe of the remaining fiscal year. The projects are ready to go, and we will lose the funding at the end of the fiscal year if not warded. Additionally, Springfield in an Environmental Justice community and this funding will help to ensure that the EJ community and others can continue to enjoy outdoor open space and recreational opportunities. Accordingly, MassDEP has determined that this Best Value Grant award to the City of Springfield is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Commonwealth.

This information is available in alternate format. Please contact Melixza Esenyie at 617-626-1282.

TTY# MassRelay Service 1-800-439-2370 MassDEP Website: www.mass.gov/dep

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