The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG), working with municipalities, regional organizations, and community partners, has been awarded $539,900 through the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program to launch Merrimack Watershed Revive: A Vision for Regional Resilience. The ambitious, multi-phase initiative will provide a watershed-scale Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) model to guide investments that reduce flooding, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen climate resilience across the Lower Merrimack watershed.
To develop the model and engage communities, NMCOG is partnering with the Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC), the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust (LP&CT), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and local conservation organizations. Thirteen municipalities—Andover, Bedford, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Westford, and Wilmington—are engaged in the project, representing nearly 400,000 residents.
The initiative builds on Phase 1, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), which developed a shared stormwater asset inventory and mapping platform. Phase 2, supported by the MVP award, will expand Phase 1 to deliver a watershed-scale model, culvert prioritization framework, and targeted community engagement. A future Phase 3 will move into implementation of green infrastructure and workforce development.
“By working together regionally at the watershed scale, communities can address flooding more effectively and build long-term resilience,” said Jennifer Raitt, Executive Director of NMCOG.
“This project demonstrates the power of regional collaboration,” said Curt Rogers, Executive Director of the MRWC. “By pairing technical expertise with community engagement, we can turn data into solutions that protect both people and ecosystems.”
In addition to technical modeling, the project will strengthen community resilience through youth programming in Lowell, multilingual outreach in Environmental Justice neighborhoods, and public engagement at community events. MRWC will also lead training for municipal staff and volunteers to assess culverts and build local capacity for climate planning.
Critical next steps identified in Merrimack Watershed Revive include:
- Developing a Regional H&H Model – Simulating storm events, assessing flood risks, and evaluating future climate scenarios.
- Training and Culvert Assessments – Building municipal capacity to evaluate infrastructure and prioritize upgrades.
- Advancing Equity and Engagement – Supporting outreach in Environmental Justice communities and involving youth in climate resilience.
- Promoting Nature-Based Solutions – Identifying opportunities for stream restoration, floodplain reconnection, and green infrastructure investments.
The project highlights opportunities such as reducing risks to Environmental Justice neighborhoods, protecting emergency access during storm events, and guiding long-term water resource planning for drinking water and food production. At the same time, it underscores the urgency of addressing aging infrastructure, cross-boundary flood risks, and the need for coordinated regional investment.
About the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments
NMCOG is one of thirteen regional planning agencies within Massachusetts. Formed under Chapter 40B of the Massachusetts General Laws, NMCOG serves the municipalities of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford to support and enhance a wide range of planning objectives related to land use, environmental protection, climate resiliency, economic development, housing, municipal service delivery, and transportation. NMCOG’s professional staff assist member communities in designing, facilitating, and implementing programs and planning initiatives which further the interests of the overall region. NMCOG staff also serve as staff to the Northern Middlesex MPO, to which they provide comprehensive transportation planning services for the region under contract with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
About the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust
The Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust (LP&CT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving open space, preserving historic sites, and promoting environmental education in Lowell. LP&CT partners with schools, community organizations, and residents to connect people with nature and build environmental stewardship. Learn more about the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust.
About the Merrimack River Watershed Council
The Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) works to protect and improve the health of the Merrimack River Watershed for all people and wildlife. MRWC provides science-based research, advocacy, and education while engaging communities in stewardship of this critical regional resource. Learn more about the Merrimack River Watershed Council.
About the Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. In Massachusetts, TNC partners with communities to advance climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and support equitable environmental outcomes. Learn more about the Nature Conservancy.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Raitt
Executive Director, NMCOG
(978) 454-8021 x 120
Email Jennifer Raitt