A regional approach for Merrimack River cleanup is the aim of a nearly $200,000 state grant recently awarded to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.
The Haverhill-based Commission, serving 15 communities, was awarded a $198,500 Community Compact Efficiency and Regionalization Grant in December for a Merrimack River Cleanup Project involving Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and Tyngsborough.
According to the Commission, the program includes regular cleanup of floatable debris during the recreation season, piloting an annual shoreline cleanup event in each community, improvements to the Early Alert Tool model, production and circulation of outreach materials to community-based organizations and installation of informational signage at Merrimack River landings to promote awareness of Merrimack River water quality.
The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and Northern Middlesex Council of Governments will manage the Merrimack River Cleanup Project and take advantage of regional efficiencies to procure equipment and services and coordinate with participating communities to host pilot shoreline cleanup events. A project website is expected to launch in the spring.